Former President Donald Trump is facing criticism for his evasive stance on abortion, with many labeling him a “coward” for sidestepping a key question and displaying a series of contradictory statements on the issue.
As the election season heats up, Trump has been criticized for his shifting positions on abortion, a topic that has spurred significant Democratic mobilization and poses a challenge for his party.
Trump has urged Republicans to focus on electoral victories, even if it means moderating their stance on abortion. This strategy, however, risks alienating his base of social conservatives while failing to sway more moderate voters.
GOP consultant Chuck Coughlin summed up the challenge: “The advice we’ve always given to clients on this issue is do not stand in the middle of the road, because you’ll get hit by traffic going both ways.”
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Last week, Trump’s remarks on abortion revealed glaring contradictions. He denounced Florida’s six-week abortion ban as overly restrictive but simultaneously claimed on social media that his administration would champion women’s reproductive rights. Yet, he later stated he would vote against a referendum intended to overturn the Florida law and protect abortion access.
Trump also proposed government coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) costs if re-elected—a stance that confounded some within his party, given his previous commitment to ending Roe v. Wade, which raises concerns about IVF access.
Lila Rose, a leading anti-abortion activist, criticized Trump’s shifting positions, noting they diverge from his first-term governance. Rose pointed out his critiques of strict state-level bans, alterations to the GOP’s abortion platform, and his support for taxpayer-funded IVF.
“This has killed the enthusiasm of Trump’s own base,” Rose remarked on social media, urging Trump to clarify his stance and capitalize on conservative momentum from his opposition to the Florida ballot measure.
Trump’s campaign defended his record with anti-abortion activists, with Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) asserting that Trump’s policies reflect strong pro-life values and that his support for expanding IVF coverage should be celebrated by the pro-life community.
Since the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022, Trump has struggled to balance his position on abortion. He has claimed credit for ending Roe through conservative judicial appointments and supported allowing states to set their own abortion restrictions. While advocating for exceptions in cases of rape, incest, and threats to a mother’s life, he has avoided committing to a national abortion ban, instead portraying Democrats as extreme on the issue.
In a recent interview, Trump sidestepped a question about signing a federal abortion ban, stating, “I don’t want to answer a hypothetical, you don’t need it.” This evasiveness drew sharp criticism from social media users, who branded him a “coward” and a “chicken” for not addressing the question directly.
“Excuse my French but that dude is a pussy,” one user wrote on X.
Another added: “Coward. Says all we need to know.”
“Pleading the 5th AGAIN?,” one user quipped.
Trump’s assertion that abortion is no longer a pivotal issue for voters conflicts with recent polling. A New York Times/Siena College poll of battleground states found that abortion has become increasingly important, especially among women. The poll, conducted from August 6-15, showed that while the economy remains the top issue, abortion has gained prominence, with 14 percent of voters and 22 percent of women identifying it as their primary concern.
Ashley Kirzinger, associate director for public opinion at KFF, noted that the reversal of Roe has shifted voter motivations. “Prior to the Dobbs decision, single-issue abortion voters were mainly pro-life. Now, we see a shift toward pro-choice motivation,” Kirzinger observed.
The Harris campaign has launched a “Fighting for Reproductive Freedom” bus tour across various states, including Trump’s home state of Florida. The tour aims to highlight the impact of abortion bans and engage voters directly.
Jessica Mackler, president of EMILY’s List, criticized Trump’s recent abortion-related statements, accusing him of fear. “It’s clear from his latest lies and flip-flopping on abortion that Donald Trump is scared — and he should be,” Mackler said. “Women will decide this election, and we are voting on abortion.”
Some Republicans worry that Trump’s inconsistent approach on abortion might dilute the issue’s impact with voters as November approaches, potentially shifting focus to other pressing concerns like the economy.
“If he did this in October, it would be a major issue,” one GOP strategist warned. “The closing argument will likely center on the economy, as many Americans feel it isn’t working, with Harris seen as a continuation of the current economic situation.”
See a short clip from a recent Trump interview on the issue and more reactions below:
Of course, Trump wouldn’t answer the abortion ban question.
He knows it would cost him voters, no matter what he said. pic.twitter.com/LEQ9R1D3TY
— Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) September 4, 2024
Excuse my French but that dude is a pussy
— Colin Robinson (@fermiparasocks) September 4, 2024
Why won’t the chicken answer questions about a national abortion ban? Because he’s a chicken! pic.twitter.com/B0yUjeMYgX
— urban myths, legends (@urbanmyths) September 4, 2024
I don’t want to answer because it would kill me at the polls. NEWSFLASH: @realDonaldTrump: Women are on to you and they know what you’re doing.
— thesecondellen (@thesecondellen) September 4, 2024
Of COURSe he will ban it. It’s part of his only policy in #Project2025.
He’s just too coward to admit it and lose even more of the woman vote.
— Baggy (@BaggySh0rtz) September 4, 2024
Daaaammmnnn. Dude’s falling apart quickly!
— The Humble Consumer 🥥 🌴 (@ShiftworkStudio) September 4, 2024
Coward. Says all we need to know.
— Not Going Back (@MimzyNGB) September 4, 2024
Pleading the 5th AGAIN?
— Democracy SuperFan (@davejensenre) September 4, 2024
