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Trump team frantically tries to clarify his six-week Florida abortion ban comment from Daily Mail interview
The Trump Campaign raced to clarify the former president's comments after he signalled that he was open to expanding access to abortion in Florida in an upcoming referendum.
Florida bans almost all abortions after six weeks and, when asked how he would vote on a measure that would extend the limit to more than 20 weeks, Trump told DailyMail.com: 'I want more than six weeks.'
In a referendum that offers a simple yes or no to voters, his response horrified allies in the anti-abortion movement.
And his campaign played cleanup on Thursday evening.
'President Trump has not yet said how he will vote on the ballot initiative in Florida, he simply reiterated that he believes six weeks is too short,' said Karoline Leavitt, Trump Campaign national press secretary.
Donald Trump said he had decided how he will vote in Florida's upcoming referendum on its newly enacted six-week abortion ban. 'I think six weeks is a mistake,' he said. 'And I'll be expressing that soon, but I want more than six weeks'
Trump has walked a narrow path on the issue, knowing that it could hold the key to the 2024 election.
During his administration he was happy to be seen as the most 'pro-life' president in history.
He took credit for ending federal protections on abortion after the Supreme Court (including three of his picks) overturned Roe v Wade.
But he has since expressed concern that Republicans could be battered at the ballot box if they push hardline federal bans.
Instead, he said it was up to states to decide the matter.
However, with his home state of Florida due in November to vote on Amendment 4, which would allow abortions up to the point of 'viability' when fetuses can survive outside the mother's womb, he cannot avoid explaining his personal position forever.
He trailed a public reveal on the issue when DailyMail.com asked him how he would be voting.
'I think six weeks is a mistake. And I'll be expressing that soon, but I want more than six weeks,' he said at his Mar-a-Lago home, speaking for the first time about his thoughts on the referendum.
'And in Florida, we have a six-week program, and that's what I believe that you're voting on, and I think it should be more than six weeks.'
The Trump Campaign issued a statement clarifying his position
Democrats are putting abortion referenda on the ballot in November in a range of states
There is no alternative to a yes or no, delighting supporters of a woman's right to choose, who took to social media in support.
He said the same thing in a second TV interview a day later.
But a key anti-abortion leader immediately got in touch with Trump to check his position.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said Trump hold her he had not yet committed to how he will vote.
'President Trump has consistently opposed abortions after five months of pregnancy. Amendment 4 would allow abortion past this point. Voting for Amendment 4 completely undermines his position,' she said.
Trump stoked concerns among his anti-abortion allies with this post last week when he used the language of opponents by referring to women and their 'reproductive rights'
'We strongly support Florida’s current heartbeat law. For anyone who believes in drawing a different line, they still must vote against Amendment 4, unless they don’t want a line at all. Amendment 4 would lock unlimited abortion into the state constitution, preventing the Florida legislature from enacting any changes.'
Florida's hardline abortion law was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis last year.
'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,' said Taryn Fenske, communications director for the governor's office.
'Amendment 4 would allow late-term abortions, eliminate parental consent, and open the door to taxpayer-funded abortions. It's extreme and must be defeated.'