Trump pushes back on strict abortion laws, says six-week ban is a ‘terrible mistake’
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Former President Donald Trump urged Republicans nationwide to tone down pro-life rhetoric that advocates for restrictive abortion laws, arguing they will become unelectable if restrictions continue to tighten.
The former president floated abortion restrictions after 15 weeks as a potential number for a large swath of the public to support, but said instances like Florida’s six-week ban are a “terrible thing.”
“I think what [Gov. Ron DeSantis] did was a terrible thing, a terrible mistake,” Trump said.
The former president warned that many Republicans speak “inarticulately” about the issue of abortion and warned those who push very strict laws are “not going to win” unless they’re in certain parts of the U.S.
“You will win on this issue when you come up with the right number of weeks,” he said.
Speaking with NBC News, Trump was asked if he would sign a federal abortion ban at 15 weeks.
“People are starting to think of 15 weeks,” Trump said. “I would sit down with both sides, and I’d negotiate something, and we’ll end up with peace on that issue.”
“I’m not gonna say I would or I wouldn’t,” he said. “We’ll come up with a number. But at the same time, Democrats won’t be able to [allow an abortion at] six months, seven months, eight months.”
Asked if the federal government should involve itself in abortions or leave it to the states, he said, “I don’t frankly care,” arguing it’s more important the issue gets resolved in any way “both sides” can agree to.
Trump clarified that it’s “probably better” that abortion is a state issue, but said he can “live with it either way.”
“The number of weeks is much more important,” Trump said.
“I have exceptions. I think people should have exceptions,” the former president continued. “If it’s rape, or incest, or life of the mother – I think you have to have exceptions.”
Speaking to how he believes Democrats will come to the negotiating table on abortion, Trump said many of them already “don’t want to be radical on the issue.”
“They don’t want to kill a baby in the seventh month, or the ninth month, or after birth.”
Trump drew criticism from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign, who said the governor will “NEVER sell out conservatives to win praise from corporate media or the Left.”
The former president’s abortion remarks come as Trump posts a aggregated national polling lead over President Joe Biden, reaching an all-time high level of support in rematch polling against Biden.
