Former President Donald Trump and his top aides are embroiled in controversy following a leak to the New York Times.
Abortion Support
The newspaper disclosed that Trump privately expressed support for a 16-week national abortion plan, with certain exceptions.
Campaign’s Panic
The former president’s campaign allegedly reacted with anger, frustration, and paranoia, leading them to manage the political fallout hastily.
“Fake and Untrue”
Initially dismissing the Times’ publication as “fake news,” Trump’s campaign later refrained from outright denial, with a spokesperson labeling the story as “fake and untrue” on Wednesday.
“Sixteen with Exceptions”
However, a source confirmed Trump’s genuine support for the 16-week restriction to Rolling Stone, stating, “He said it. Sixteen with exceptions.”
Leak Inevitability
Multiple insiders revealed Trump’s consistent endorsement of the 16-week ban during private discussions, suggesting a leak was only a matter of time. Despite the campaign’s dismay, the leak did not come as a shock.
Electoral Concerns
The former president has branded himself as the “most pro-life president ever,” relying heavily on anti-abortion conservatives’ support for the upcoming November elections.
Abortion Stance Concerns
However, sources indicate that Trump is apprehensive about alienating independent and suburban women voters due to his stance on abortion rights.
No Clear Position
Trump has so far refrained from taking a definitive stance on abortion rights restrictions.
Defeating Haley
He aims to defeat his primary opponent, Nikki Haley, in the South Carolina Republican primary on Febuary 24, a state with stringent abortion laws implemented in 2023, effectively outlawing the procedure after six weeks.
Harm to Republicans
Following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, Trump expressed concern to advisers regarding its potential harm to Republicans.
Impact on GOP
Since then, he has come to believe that the abortion issue has significantly contributed to Republican losses in congressional races.
Abortion Rights Messaging
Democrats intend to invest substantial sums to remind voters that the Republican government could curtail their abortion rights.
Trump’s Dual Strategy
By endorsing a 16-week ban, Trump seeks to appease both social conservatives advocating for stricter abortion access limitations and Republican and independent voters favoring more moderate restrictions.
Negotiating Positions
Megachurch pastor Robert Jeffress, a close adviser to Trump, said, “He is a negotiator by trade, and I think he will negotiate a good deal on this issue, and on a whole host of other issues.”
Perspective on Abortion
He said, “Just about three weeks ago, I was talking to President Trump about this issue, and he and I agreed that a six-week ban with no exceptions policy is not going to fly in America today, because the overwhelming majority of Americans are against something that is that ‘extreme.'”
Realistic Approach
“But he also said they are against the ‘extreme’ abortion-on-demand. So he’s clearly trying to get to a position that is staunchly pro-life, but also realistic, given where most Americans are,” the advisor added,
Strategic Leaks?
Some of Trump’s advisers speculate the leak could be a strategic move by anti-abortion factions aiming to pressure him into endorsing a nationwide ban ahead of the election, a scenario that Democrats, including President Joe Biden, would find advantageous.
Abortion Ban States
Abortion is presently prohibited at various gestational stages before 16 weeks in 20 states, including Trump’s home state of Florida.
Potential Abortion Ban Expanded
The proposed ban discussed by Trump privately would further restrict abortion rights in the remaining 30 states where it remains legal beyond that threshold.
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