Donald Trump has teased that he’s making a statement on abortion next week. The move follows Florida’s Supreme Court decisions implementing a six-week ban and putting the divisive issue on the state’s ballot in November.
The conservative court’s decision benefits Joe Biden. Abortion has been a major motivator of Democratic voters since the reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022. Trump only won Florida by three points back in 2020, and the court’s move is likely to boost Democratic turnout in the state while fueling nationwide fears about abortion rights being under attack, which could get more pro-choice Dems to the polls.
Balancing act. Trump knows that Democrats have the upper hand on abortion. So his announcement will likely aim to undercut the Biden campaign’s accusations that he would pass a strict national abortion ban if elected. But the Bible salesman needs to tread carefully to avoid alienating his pro-life, evangelical supporters.
Where does Trump stand? Trump, who appointed the three justices that overturned Roe v. Wade, has moderated his position on abortion, even calling Florida’s move a “terrible mistake.” He has suggested that there is a national consensus around restricting abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Trump supports exceptions for cases of incest and rape or to protect the life of the mother.