In a recent interview, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed surprise at former President Donald Trump’s criticism of Florida’s six-week abortion ban, which Trump described as “too harsh”.
DeSantis, who is a potential 2024 presidential candidate, defended the ban, stating that it is “humane” to protect an unborn child when there’s a detectable heartbeat.
What Happened: The Hill reports that DeSantis was taken aback by Trump’s criticism of the abortion ban, which was signed into law in April. Trump, who is also a Florida resident, suggested that DeSantis might not have understood what he was doing when he signed the six-week ban. DeSantis, however, believes that the ban is in line with pro-life protections that many have long sought.
Why It Matters: The abortion ban has been a contentious issue in Florida. Despite opposition from a majority of Florida residents, DeSantis signed the bill into law, drawing criticism from various quarters, including Trump.
This disagreement over the abortion ban comes amidst a heated rivalry between Trump and DeSantis, who are both potential 2024 presidential candidates. While Trump has been leading in most polls, a recent WPA Intelligence survey showed a much closer race between the two.
Meanwhile, other Republican presidential candidates have expressed differing views on the issue of abortion. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, for instance, supports a 15-week federal abortion ban, contrasting with DeSantis’ six-week ban. As the 2024 presidential race heats up, the issue of abortion is likely to remain a key point of contention among the candidates.
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