After the New York Times broke the story of how former president Trump privately supports a 16-week abortion ban, it angered his campaign allies. It gave Democrats more reasons to champion their platform for reproductive rights.
Points for Democrats
Trump’s reported support of the 16-week ban, which, according to the New York Times, he chose because it is “a round number,” is perceived as a win for Democrats. While Trump’s campaign said the report was “fake news,” it did not disclose which part was inaccurate, leaving many to speculate further.
Inside Trump’s circle
Rolling Stone discussed Trump’s reported support for a 16-week ban with two sources. The outlet writes how Trump’s allies were “annoyed” by the leak since the plan allegedly to avoid discussing abortion rights as much as possible, according to one Republican lawmaker.
The Dobbs effect
Reasons for avoiding the issue lie in 2022 midterm losses and recent changes in the House of Representatives. In 2023, Rolling Stone wrote in alleged conversations Trump warned that Republicans risk “losing big” if they don’t listen to him and say that everyone should say “with exceptions” to avoid looking like an extremist.
“Moderate” on abortion
Rolling Stone also reported how GOP operative Susie Wiles panned out Trump’s path to winning the elections by running as “moderate” on the issue. But that is practically hard since Trump himself declared in May 2023, “After 50 years of failure, with nobody coming even close, I was able to kill Roe v. Wade, much to the ‘shock’ of everyone.”
Why 16-week ban?
According to the Times, Trump saw polls citing that this would be a good number since it would satisfy all sides. Angela Vasquez-Giroux, vice president of communications and research at Reproductive Freedom for All, argued with this logic, “When you stop asking voters, ‘At what point are you okay with us taking away your rights?’ And start asking them: Are you ever okay with us taking away your rights? “
Polls are painting an unrealistic picture
Vasquez-Giroux explained that the 15-week ban is supported by 54 percent of GOP voters, and the same polling found that those who voted for Trump believe that overturning Roe was too extreme. And while pro-abortion groups are furious, it is even worse among those who are against abortions. Polls are unreliable because they do not show the percentage of men vs. women on the issue, which affects women more significantly than men.
This is when 9/10 abortions happen
SpeakingKristi Hamrick, vice president of media and policy at Students for Life Action to the Rolling Stone, cited data that show that around 95 percent of abortions happen before 15 weeks. Hamrick declared, “We absolutely reject the idea that our federal government would give its legal blessing to more than nine in 10 abortions.”
“Sixteen with exceptions”
The Stone source confirmed that Trump wants “sixteen (weeks) with exceptions.” Trump avoided the question, even during CNN’s town hall interview. A woman asked him, “How do you plan to appeal to women voters in New Hampshire concerned about the Dobbs decision and how states may change their laws?”
Trump’s answer
Trump called it a “great question” and continued, “Deals are being made. Deals are going to be made.” Ultimately, he did not answer the question, even when the CNN host pressed him. He said instead, “What I’ll do is negotiate so that people are happy.”
“People are starting to think of 15 weeks”
During an NBC interview, Trump expressed that “people are starting to think of 15 weeks” and added that DeSantis’ six-week ban is “a terrible thing and a terrible mistake.” He also promised, “I’m going to come together with all groups, and we’re going to have something that’s acceptable.”
Could Biden be right?
“He’s afraid the women of America are going to hold him responsible for taking away their rights and endangering their rights at the ballot box in November,” Biden said in a statement following the Times report, and added, “Which is exactly what’s going to happen.”
Trump is “petrified”
One Rolling Stone source claimed that Trump is “petrified” of female voters. Yet, he is trying to maintain his popularity among anti-abortion groups, which led to alleged irritation and anger among people in his campaign.
Read Next: What Really Causes Donald Trump’s Skin to be So Orange
Former President Donald Trump’s distinctive orange skin has captivated attention, sparking curiosity about its evolution from average pale over the years:
What Really Causes Donald Trump’s Skin to be So Orange
21 of the Biggest Lies in American History
Dive into the shadows of American history as we explore 21 of its biggest lies that have left an indelible mark on the nation’s narrative:
21 of the Biggest Lies in American History
32 Things We Once Highly Respected but Are a Complete Joke Now
Discover the amusing downfall of once-respected entities in our changing world:
32 Things We Once Highly Respected but Are a Complete Joke Now
23 of Donald Trump’s Most Hilarious Moments as President
Explore the lighter side of Donald Trump’s presidency with 23 hilariously memorable moments that left the nation in stitches:
23 of Donald Trump’s Most Hilarious Moments as President
27 Things MAGA Movement Ruined Forever for People
How the MAGA movement left its mark on individuals and disrupted certain aspects of our everyday life forever:
