Former President Donald Trump is facing criticism from conservative Republicans, including his former vice president, Mike Pence, over his suggestion to allow states to determine their own abortion policies. These Republicans are advocating for a national ban on abortion instead.
In a recent post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Vice President Pence expressed his disappointment with President Trump’s change in stance on the Right to Life. He stated, “President Trump’s retreat on the Right to Life is a slap in the face to the millions of pro-life Americans who voted for him in 2016 and 2020.”
In a video shared on Truth Social, the former president made a significant announcement regarding abortion rights. He expressed his belief that individual states should have the freedom to determine their own abortion restrictions. This statement comes at a crucial time, with abortion rights becoming a prominent issue in the ongoing 2024 presidential election.
Trump remained silent in response to Pence’s criticism. However, he did address other Republican critics later in the day. Trump expressed concern that implementing a national abortion ban, as suggested by these critics, would adversely affect both him and other GOP candidates in the upcoming fall elections.
In a recent post on Truth Social, President Trump expressed his belief that Democrats have a strong affinity for this particular issue and are determined to prolong it as much as possible with the approval of Republicans. Trump specifically mentioned Senator Lindsey Graham, a fellow Republican from South Carolina, in his statement.
Trump’s critics have argued that his actions as president, including the appointment of three conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, have played a significant role in the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that previously safeguarded abortion rights. As Trump campaigns for a second term in the White House, he has frequently taken credit for this outcome.
Pence, who publicly distanced himself from the former president following the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, expressed a different view on Monday. He maintained that the Supreme Court had deferred the decision to the states and “the American people” at large.
“The American people play a pivotal role in electing presidents, senators, and congressmen. It is evident that a significant majority of Americans share a deep desire to witness the establishment of essential national safeguards for the protection of the unborn in federal legislation,” emphasized Pence.
But Pence wasn’t the only one to voice criticism of Trump from the conservative side. Graham, a staunch advocate of a nationwide abortion ban, expressed his support for a national minimum standard restricting abortion to fifteen weeks. He emphasized that this timeframe is significant because the unborn child is capable of feeling pain. However, Graham also clarified that he believes exceptions should be made in cases of rape, incest, and when the life of the mother is at risk.
‘Slap in the face’: Mike Pence criticizes Donald Trump’s stance on abortion restrictions
Former Vice President Mike Pence has openly criticized former President Donald Trump for his recent statement regarding abortion restrictions. In a recent interview, Pence expressed his disagreement with Trump’s belief that decisions on abortion should be left to individual states. Pence referred to this viewpoint as a “slap in the face,” highlighting the stark contrast between his own stance on the issue and that of his former running mate.