Report: Trump privately expresses support for 16-week abortion ban
The topic of abortion will undoubtedly play a role with a significant segment of voters in the 2024 election.
Former President Donald Trump has been extremely quiet on the topic and has chosen not to broadcast much in the way of his views on abortion, but that could change given the proximity of the November contest.
According to ABC News, sources familiar with the former president's stance on the issue say he's privately signaling support for a 16-week abortion ban, but with exceptions.
ABC News noted:
Trump has gone through great lengths to avoid publicly stating his position on this issue since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. He has repeatedly declined to say whether he would support a federal ban, but has signaled he believes from a legal standpoint "it's probably better" to be handled at the state level.
The sources familiar with Trump's possible position on the matter say he's willing to support exceptions for "rape, incest and to save the life of the mother."
Given the gravity of the abortion issue and its effect on suburban female voters, many believe Trump's move to the middle on the issue could be highly beneficial in November.
WATCH: NBC News confirmed reports that Trump privately supports a 16-week national abortion ban.@MaraLiasson reacts: “Trump is acting like a normal politician. … He’s trying to move to the center on abortion for the general election.” pic.twitter.com/cP8dnEq9MW
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) February 18, 2024
In September 2023, Trump slammed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' six-week abortion bill, saying it was "too harsh."
Notably, the Trump campaign didn't deny the latest reports, and stated that the former president aims to find a "middle ground" on the issue ahead of the November election.
Karoline Leavitt, the national press secretary for the Trump campaign, released a statement on the issue.
"As President Trump has stated, he would sit down with both sides and negotiate a deal that everyone will be happy with," said Leavitt.
She added, "President Trump appointed strong Constitutionalist federal judges and Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade and sent the decision back to the states, which others have tried to do for over 50 years."
Trump positioning himself as more moderate on the issue could be detrimental to President Joe Biden's campaign, especially for undecided voters.
Only time will tell if Trump decides to be more vocal about it.