In a surprising move, former US President Donald Trump has reportedly pledged to veto a national abortion ban if it were to reach his desk. This revelation comes from J.D. Vance, a Republican Senator from Ohio, who claimed that Trump made this commitment during a private meeting.
Vance, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump, shared this information during an interview. He stated that Trump’s stance on the issue is more nuanced than previously thought, and that the former President is willing to take a more moderate approach to abortion.
This development comes as a surprise to many, given Trump’s history of supporting anti-abortion policies and his appointment of conservative judges to the Supreme Court, which ultimately led to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. However, it appears that Trump may be attempting to reposition himself on the issue ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
Vance’s comments suggest that Trump is aware of the political risks associated with a national abortion ban, particularly in swing states like Ohio, where Vance himself won a tight Senate race in 2022. By pledging to veto such a ban, Trump may be attempting to appeal to a broader range of voters and avoid alienating moderate Republicans and independents.
It remains to be seen whether Trump’s reported pledge will have any impact on his political fortunes or the broader debate over abortion in the US. However, it is clear that the issue will continue to be a contentious one in the lead-up to the 2024 election.