Trump in damage-control mode over abortion backlash from the right

Former President Donald Trump is facing backlash from anti-abortion advocates after he described Florida’s six-week abortion ban as “too short” and avoided taking a clear position on a state ballot measure that would broaden access to abortion.

The reaction from anti-abortion groups has been swift and critical, with some warning that Trump risks alienating a crucial segment of his party’s base.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the prominent anti-abortion organization Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, reached out to Trump on Thursday seeking clarification on his comments. According to a source familiar with the conversation, Trump stated that he had not taken a position on the Florida ballot measure, which proposes to prohibit abortion restrictions before fetal viability, around the 24th week of pregnancy.

Dannenfelser conveyed to Trump that it was “imperative” for him to clarify his stance to avoid confusion, adding that the amendment contradicts his opposition to late-term abortion.

During his NBC News interview, Trump remarked, “I am going to be voting that we need more than six weeks” in reference to the ballot measure. The Florida initiative presents voters with a clear choice, making Trump's comment somewhat ambiguous.

Later on Thursday, Trump's campaign clarified that the former president “has not yet said how he will vote on the ballot initiative in Florida.”

Anti-abortion activists, who have been vital to Trump’s previous presidential campaigns, have also criticized his suggestion that the government or insurance companies should fund in vitro fertilization treatments.

Albert Mohler, an evangelical theologian, criticized Trump on X, stating, “Former President Trump now appears determined to undermine his pro-life supporters.” He accused Trump of attempting to alienate pro-life voters through his criticism of Florida’s abortion restrictions and support for government-funded IVF.

This controversy places Trump and the Republican Party in a challenging position, facing the first presidential election in fifty years without Roe v. Wade to protect abortion rights. Previously, the GOP had unified behind legislation to ban abortion at state and federal levels, often using it to mobilize anti-abortion voters without any legislative success.

Now, some Republicans are concerned about a potential backlash from the majority of Americans who favor keeping abortion mostly or entirely legal, especially as Democrats aim to leverage this issue. Trump, who has boasted about appointing three of the five Supreme Court justices responsible for overturning Roe, is struggling to navigate this complex issue.

Abortion opponents are divided on whether to distance themselves from Trump or support him, hoping that a Republican victory in November will lead to further national abortion restrictions despite his conflicting statements.

“If Donald Trump loses in November, it will be his inconsistent approach to abortion that alienated the pro-life community that costs him victory,” conservative radio host Erick Erickson commented.

Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life, which organizes anti-abortion activists, tweeted on X that many volunteers are considering withdrawing support for Trump unless he addresses these issues. She told NBC News that Trump’s campaign indicated he is undecided on the Florida measure and that his wavering stance could harm his support.

Hawkins emphasized that Trump's retreat from previous pro-life statements is deeply troubling to his supporters, expressing concern about the potential impact on his campaign.

Taryn Fenske, spokeswoman for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, responded to Trump’s remarks, asserting, “Donald Trump has consistently stated that late-term abortions where a baby can feel pain should never be permitted, and he’s always stood up for parents’ rights.” She condemned Amendment 4 as extreme, claiming it would permit late-term abortions, eliminate parental consent, and lead to taxpayer-funded abortions.

Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife, also condemned the initiative, urging voters to “spread the word and vote NO on 4!”

Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign accused Trump of misleading voters about his abortion stance and support for IVF. “We’re going to hold Donald Trump and JD Vance accountable for the devastating impacts of overturning Roe v. Wade and their threats to access to IVF,” said Harris spokesperson Kevin Munoz. “Kamala Harris is going to fight for your rights. Donald Trump will take them away.”