In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” former president Donald Trump reportedly refrained from taking a firm stance on the future of abortion rights, but he frequently indicated interest in acting as a mediator between “both sides” to reach an understanding.
During extensive interview with moderator Kristen Welker, portions of which were broadcast on “Meet the Press,” Trump looked to be looking for wiggle room on a topic that has been controversial for Republicans at the voting booth ever since the Supreme Court reversed the important Roe v. Wade ruling last year.
Welker’s first “Meet the Press” interview as moderator was recorded on Thursday.
Trump steadfastly refrained from endorsing a cutoff point for when abortions would become illegal, a position that has consistently been supported by the pro-life movement.
“No, no, let me tell you what I’d do: I’m going to come together with all groups, and we’re going to have something that’s acceptable.” Trump said.
“I think they’re all going to like me, I think both sides are going to like me. What’s going to happen is you’re going to come up with a number of weeks or months, you’re going to come up with a number that’s going to make people happy.” he continued.
“I mean, DeSanctus is willing to sign a five-week and six-week ban,” Trump added later in the interview
“Would you support that? You think that goes too far?” Welker asked.
“I think what he did is a terrible thing and a terrible mistake,” Trump said in response.
TRUMP: “DeSanctus is willing to sign a five-week and six-week ban.”
WELKER: “Would you support that? You think that goes too far?
TRUMP: “I think what he did is a terrible thing and a terrible mistake.” pic.twitter.com/PghjuC5SKR
— Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) September 17, 2023
He also steadfastly refrained from stating whether he thought the matter should be decided at the state or federal levels.
Trump has not been as consistent on the subject as some of his opponents in the presidential primary contests in spite of appointed many of the Supreme Court Justices that ruled in favor of overturning Roe vs. Wade.
Pro-abortion activists experienced a surge in activism after Roe was overturned, and Democrats tapped into this enthusiasm in pivotal swing-state elections last November.
A number of proposals on the ballot that were viewed as being against abortion rights were defeated nationwide, some in states that were considered to be quite red.
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