Former President Donald Trump recently responded to Senator Lindsey Graham and other critics regarding his stance on abortion policy, asserting that Republicans risk losing in the 2024 elections if they pursue Graham’s proposals. Trump’s statements were made on Truth Social, where he urged Graham to consider the 10th Amendment and States’ Rights in relation to abortion policy.
Trump emphasized the need for Republicans to focus on winning elections rather than adopting approaches that could hinder their electoral success. He argued against federal bans on abortions, citing Democratic opposition and the potential for such bans to energize the Democratic base in the upcoming elections.
The former president advocated for a states’ rights-based approach to abortion, aligning with the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and return the issue to state jurisdictions.
He criticized Graham and Marjorie Dannenfelser for pushing for federal government involvement in abortion policy, suggesting that their strategies were ineffective and played into Democratic hands.
Trump highlighted his endorsement of Graham in South Carolina’s elections and expressed disappointment in Graham’s disagreement with his abortion policy stance. He asserted that abortion policy should be a state-level decision and criticized those who advocate otherwise.
In response, Graham expressed his belief that abortion policy should not be solely determined by states, citing federal laws and the need for a nuanced approach to the issue as pregnancies progress. Dannenfelser expressed disappointment but reaffirmed her group’s commitment to opposing President Biden and Democrats on abortion policy.
Former Vice President Mike Pence also criticized Trump’s abortion policy shift, labeling it a “retreat on the Right to Life” and a disappointment to pro-life Americans who supported Trump in previous elections.