Trump's shifting stance on abortion sparks criticism from pro-lifers, who respond to Florida Amendment 4.
In 2016, Donald Trump's election was aided by his pro-life voting bloc, but now he has disappointed them.
Pro-life advocates on social media have criticized former President Donald Trump's opposition to Florida's ban on abortions after six weeks' gestation.
One user on X stated that Trump has destroyed both the conservative and pro-life movements, something even Barack Obama couldn't achieve.
Mike Pence, the former Vice President, stated on X, "I am pro-life and I do not regret my stance."
Erick Erickson, a Georgia-based nationally syndicated radio host, criticized Trump's comments on X, stating that Trump's decision to focus on the Kamala Harris interview instead of the GOP's unity was not a smart move for winning.
The pro-life movement helped elect Trump in 2016, but some users are now angry about what they see as his betrayal of their cause.
"If Pro-lifers had a spine and punished Trump for his betrayal by staying home in November, he would lose so badly that no Republican would ever dare to betray you on such an important issue," one X user said. "Unfortunately, he knows most of you will still vote for him so the betrayals will continue."
John Cardillo, an online political influencer and former police officer, stated that he would vote for Trump but would criticize him when he supports Democrat policies.
Trump wrote on X that he is voting for a Soros-funded unrestricted abortion amendment in FL, regardless of how it is presented.
A spokesperson for Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who unsuccessfully challenged Trump in the 2024 primaries and signed the ban into law, also responded to Trump's indication that he may vote in favor of Amendment 4, which would enshrine a constitutional right to abortion in Florida.
"Taryn Fenske stated on X that Amendment 4 would permit late-term abortions, eliminate parental consent, and enable taxpayer-funded abortions, which is extreme and must be defeated."
David Limbaugh, a conservative commentator and brother of the late Rush Limbaugh, stated that he fully supports Trump but believes he requires fervent pro-life individuals in his campaign advisory circle.
"Run-of-the-mill errors are less harmful than unforced errors. Strategies that alienate more supporters than impress non-supporters are disappointing," he said on X.
Trump's statement on his Truth Social platform last week that his administration would be great for women and their reproductive rights and that he would not restrict access to abortion prescriptions upset anti-abortion activists.
Trump has responded to Democratic attacks during this election cycle by asserting that he would leave abortion access up to the states, as determined by the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and opposes a federal abortion ban. In contrast, the Republican Party shifted its stance in July, abandoning its long-standing support for abortion restrictions. Despite this change, Trump remains steadfast in his opposition to late-term abortions.
On Thursday, Trump announced that he would support federal IVF treatments, even though he previously stated that abortion should be a state matter. The Trump campaign did not provide a clear explanation of the distinction between state and federal issues when asked via email.
Trump stated to an NBC News reporter that he believes the six-week timeframe for Florida's Amendment 4 is insufficient and that more time is necessary. He emphasized this point by saying, "I've made it clear that I want more weeks."
The reporter then pressed if Trump would vote in favor of the amendment.
"I accomplished the termination of Roe v. Wade after 52 years of wanting it, and now it's back in the hands of the states. Exceptions are crucial for me, as well as others who have navigated this complex and challenging journey," Trump stated.
On Thursday evening, Planet Chronicle Digital was informed by the Trump campaign that the 45th president has not yet disclosed how he will cast his vote on Amendment 4.
Karoline Leavitt, the Trump campaign national press secretary, stated that President Trump has not yet disclosed his stance on the Florida ballot initiative and only reiterated his belief that six weeks is an insufficient timeframe.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and exclusive interviews from the 2024 campaign trail at our Planet Chronicle Digital election hub.
Planet Chronicle Digital's Emma Colton contributed to this report.
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