Former President Donald Trump’s recent suggestion that states should determine the future of abortion access in America is the latest in a series of shifting positions on the issue. Over the past 25 years, Trump’s stance on abortion has varied, often aligning with the political climate and the voters he is trying to appeal to. Here is a timeline of Trump’s notable remarks on abortion:
October 24, 1999
While considering a presidential campaign for the 2000 election, Trump declared himself “very pro-choice” on NBC’s “Meet the Press”. Despite expressing personal discomfort with the concept of abortion, he affirmed his belief in choice, a stance likely influenced by New York’s liberal politics.
August 6, 2015
Trump’s 1999 pro-choice remarks were used against him by his GOP rivals during the 2016 presidential nomination race. In response, Trump claimed to have “evolved” on the issue, comparing his shift to that of former President Ronald Reagan. He attributed his change of heart to a personal experience involving a friend’s child who was almost aborted but went on to thrive.
March 1, 2016
As Trump’s campaign for the Republican nomination gained momentum, his messaging on abortion fluctuated. He praised Planned Parenthood for its work for women but also stated that he would not fund the organization as long as it provided abortions.
March 30, 2016
In a televised town hall, Trump initially suggested that women who seek an abortion should face punishment if the procedure were made illegal. However, he quickly backtracked following backlash, stating that the issue should be left to the states and that any legal responsibility should fall on the person performing the abortion, not the woman.
October 19, 2016
During a debate with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, Trump pledged to appoint Supreme Court justices who were pro-life and conservative. He predicted that his nominees would contribute to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that has guided American abortion policy for decades.
January 23, 2017
In one of his first acts as president, Trump signed a memorandum blocking the United States from funding organizations that provide abortion services. He later signed a bill allowing states to withhold federal money from such organizations, reversing an Obama-era regulation.
January 24, 2020
As his reelection campaign was underway, Trump became the first sitting president to attend the March for Life rally, an annual anti-abortion protest in Washington. He delivered a strong defense of his anti-abortion agenda and pledged to veto any legislation that weakens pro-life policies.
June 24, 2022
Trump celebrated a Supreme Court decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health that ended the federal right to an abortion. He credited the decision to his three Supreme Court nominees and called it “the biggest WIN for LIFE in a generation”.
January 1, 2023
Following Republican losses in the midterms, Trump blamed the party’s handling of the abortion issue. He criticized Republicans who insisted on no exceptions for abortion, even in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother’s life is at risk.
September 17, 2023
During the GOP presidential primary, Trump avoided taking a stance on federal legislation to restrict abortion. He criticized his primary rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, for signing a law that banned abortion in most instances six weeks into a pregnancy.
March 19, 2024
Trump hinted at supporting a federal abortion ban at 15 weeks, causing confusion within his campaign. Several Trump confidants, including former adviser Kellyanne Conway and South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, reportedly lobbied the former president to support a federal abortion ban.
April 2, 2024
Following two Florida Supreme Court rulings related to abortion, Trump avoided commenting on the developments in his home state. He promised to make a statement on abortion the following week.
April 8, 2024
In a video statement, Trump declared that the future of abortion access in America should be determined by states. He thanked the six Republican-appointed justices who overturned Roe v. Wade and suggested support for exceptions for victims of rape and incest or when a mother’s health may be in danger.