Trump delivered a speech at the Faith and Freedom Coalition Towards Majority Policy Conference in Washington, DC. Photo: MICHAEL REYNOLDS. /EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Donald Trump told evangelical Christians that the US government has a «vital role» to play in protecting the unborn, but did not approve the nationwide 15-week abortion ban backed by his Republican rivals.
On Saturday in Washington, DC, the former president hinted that his administration would impose restrictions on abortion, but avoided specifics in an attempt to win over evangelical Republicans without alienating most voters.
“Every child, born and unborn, is a sacred gift from God,” he told 3,000 members of the influential Faith and Freedom coalition. «We'll figure something out.»
Mr. Trump spoke on the eve of the anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which proclaimed a national right to abortion. He took credit for overturning the 1973 Supreme Court decision, saying that it was his appointment of judges to the nation's highest court that brought the issue of abortion back to the governments of America's 50 states.
“I did it and no one even thought it was possible,” he said. “As your president, I will continue to be proud of pro-abortion policies, as I have been for four strong years,” he said.
“We cannot be afraid to take on Democratic extremists… therefore when I am re-elected, I will continue to fight against the late-term abortion madmen.»
Abortion remains a difficult issue for Mr. Trump, who once supported a woman's right to choose.
Despite toughening his stance on the issue, he fears that his rivals will rightfully outflank him.
Former Vice President. — President Mike Pence called on all Republican candidates to support a 15-week abortion ban.
Mr. of his speech. Photo: REUTERS/Tasos Katopodis
In a thinly veiled critique of Mr. Trump, he chided «others» who suggested that continuing the fight for life «might lead to too harsh state legislation.» «.
Mr. Trump has defended exceptions to the abortion ban on behalf of women who have been raped or victims of incest.
Ron DeSantis, Florida governor and Trump's arch-rival in the nomination, bragged because his state has some of the strictest abortion laws in the US, including a ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.
“We've also been successful in Florida promoting a culture of living, and that means signing the Heartbeat Act, which protects unborn babies when they have a heartbeat,” he said at the conference.
Tim Scott, South Carolina . the senator promised to sign «the most conservative life protection law» if he becomes president.
And Nikki Haley said at the conference that she would support federal restrictions on abortion, as she promised to «save as many children as possible and help as many mothers as possible.» Just last month, she called the chances of a federal abortion ban “unrealistic.”
“I'm not going to lie to the American people. Nothing will happen unless we get 60 votes in the Senate. We don't even come close to that either on the Republican or Democrat side,» she said on Face the Nation.
«He's my boyfriend now»
While taking a hard line on abortion would help Trump garner support from conservatives, he is well aware that doing so could become a political liability in the general election.
Privately, Mr. Trump is alleged to have told his allies that a rejection too far to the right on this issue could cost the party support for suburban voters.
His caution seems to have been justified by recent polls. An NBC poll last week showed that 61% of voters opposed the cancellation of Roe v. Wade, with 53% of respondents saying abortions had become too difficult.
However, Trump's 90-minute speech does not appear to have taken place. on good terms with members of the Faith and Freedom Coalition.
Their support was decisive for a man who was twice divorced and accused of paying silence money to cover up an alleged affair with a stripper.
< p>Audience gave him a standing ovation, especially when he cheered for the dismissal of Roe v. Wade.
Criticism of Trump and rival Chris Christie was booed harshly as he launched attacks on the former president. describing him as a failed leader not fit for another term in the White House.
«I'm running because he let us down,» he told David Porter, 64, to a Republican from Newport News, Virginia, who came to the rally wearing a «Walk with Jesus» cap, echoed the sentiments of many at the conference.
While he was concerned about Trump's avoidance of abortion, Porter told New York Times that still supports the former president.
«He's my boyfriend now.»
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