A key 2024 election topic could become an even bigger flashpoint among Republican, Democrat and Independent voters as former President Donald Trump clarified his stance on abortion Monday.
Here's a look at what Trump said and how it could impact the 2024 election.
What Happened: On Monday, Trump declined to endorse a national abortion ban, according to the New York Post. Trump instead promised that if he is re-elected in the 2024 he will leave abortion rights up to states.
"My view is now that we have abortion where everyone wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation, or perhaps both. And whatever they decide must be the law of the land. In this case, the law of the state," Trump said in a video posted to his Truth Social account.
Trump’s recent statements left unclear his stance on the specific gestational limit for an abortion ban.
"Many states will be different. Many will have a different number of weeks, or some will have more conservative than others, and that's what they will be. At the end of the day, this is all about the will of the people."
Trump said in his speech that he is "proud" to be responsible for the United States Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022. Trump was responsible for appointing three Supreme Court justices during his time as president.
"This 50-year battle over Roe vs. Wade took it out of the federal hands and brought it into the hearts, minds and votes of the people in each state – it's really something."
Trump's video message included a statement that he supports abortion exceptions in the cases of incest, rape and when the mother's life is at risk.
Related Link: Abortion Back In Supreme Court Showdown In Election Year, Opponents Challenge Mifepristone Safety
Why It's Important: Trump’s refusal to back a national abortion ban or specify a gestational cutoff could risk alienating some of his supporters.
"You must follow your heart on this issue. But remember, you must also win elections to restore our culture and, in fact, to save our country, which is currently and very sadly a nation in decline," Trump said.
The former president recently hinted that he was leaning toward supporting a national ban at 15 weeks, which he said could be a number that many agree on and could unite voters on both sides of the political aisle.
Among those speaking out against Trump's stance on Monday was former Vice President Mike Pence, who served under Trump.
"Too many Republican politicians are all too ready to wash their hands of the battle for life. Republicans win on life when we speak the truth boldly and stand on the principle that we all know to be true – human life begins at conception and should be defended from womb to tomb," Pence tweeted.
Pence said Trump's comments were a "slap in the face" to pro-life Americans who voted for him in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.
President Joe Biden, who is running against Trump in the 2024 presidential election, was skeptical of the promise to leave abortion up to states.
"If Donald Trump is elected and the MAGA Republicans in Congress put a national abortion ban on the Resolute Desk, Trump will sign it into law," Biden said.
Biden said, "Trump is scrambling" and that voters could hold him accountable for overturning Roe v. Wade.
"America was built on personal freedom and liberty. So, there is nothing more un-American than having our personal freedoms taken away. And that is what Donald Trump has done."
In several polls of voters in seven key swing states, abortion is one of the top four issues, ranking behind the economy, immigration and democracy.
Trump’s position on abortion raises intrigue about his choice of vice presidential running mate and whether their views will align or diverge.
Photo: Shutterstock
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