Former President Donald Trump made a firm statement on Wednesday, asserting that he would not sign a federal abortion ban if it were to reach his desk should he be elected in November. This marks his strongest stance yet on the issue of a national abortion ban.
Trump’s response came during a press conference in Atlanta when he was asked by a reporter if he would sign a national abortion ban if Congress passed it. He replied with a definitive “No,” reiterating his position when asked again by the reporter.
This statement contrasts with Trump’s previous claims of credit for appointing Supreme Court justices who contributed to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. However, Trump has also distanced himself from some of the stricter abortion restrictions pursued by Republicans at the state level.
Earlier in the day, Trump commented on a controversial decision by Arizona’s state Supreme Court, which upheld a 160-year-old law restricting abortions except in cases where it is necessary to save the pregnant person’s life. Trump expressed his belief that Arizona’s decision went “too far” and predicted that it would be rectified swiftly.