Trump campaign cleans up after former president tells Daily Mail Florida abortion ban should last longer than six weeks

Trump’s campaign rushed to clarify the former president’s comments after he indicated he was open to expanding abortion access in Florida in an upcoming referendum.

Florida bans almost all abortions after six weeks. Asked how he would vote on a measure to extend the term beyond 20 weeks, Trump told DailyMail.com: “I want more than six weeks.”

In a referendum where voters could simply choose yes or no, his answer horrified allies in the anti-abortion movement.

And his campaign played a big role in clearing up the chaos on Thursday night.

“President Trump has not yet said how he will vote on the Florida ballot initiative, other than reiterating that he believes six weeks is too short,” said Karoline Leavitt, national spokesperson for the Trump campaign.

Trump has walked a narrow path on this issue, knowing it could be key to the 2024 election.

During his time in office, he was widely regarded as the most pro-life president in history.

He was credited with ending federal protections for abortion after the Supreme Court (including three of his picks) overturned Roe v. Wade.

But he has since expressed concern that Republicans could come under fire at the ballot box if they push through strict federal bans.

Instead, he said it is up to the states to decide.

But with his home state of Florida set to vote in November on Amendment 4, which would allow abortions up to the point of “viability” where fetuses can survive outside the mother’s womb, he can’t avoid explaining his personal position forever.

He only spoke openly on the issue later when asked by DailyMail.com how he would vote.

“I think six weeks is a mistake. And I’ll say that soon, but I want more than six weeks,” he said at his Mar-a-Lago home, where he first spoke about his thoughts on the referendum.

“And in Florida we have a six-week program. I think you vote on that, and I think it should be longer than six weeks.”

The Trump campaign released a statement clarifying its position

Democrats are putting abortion referendums on ballots in a number of states in November

There is no alternative to yes or no, say supporters of women’s right to choose, who have shown their support on social media.

A day later he said the same thing in a second TV interview.

But a top anti-abortion leader immediately contacted Trump to gauge his position.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said Trump had not yet committed to how he would vote.

“President Trump has consistently opposed abortions after five months of pregnancy. Amendment 4 would allow abortions after that point. Voting for Amendment 4 completely undermines his position,” she said.

Trump stoked concerns among his anti-abortion allies last week with this message, in which he used the language of opponents by referring to women and their “reproductive rights”

“We strongly support Florida’s current heartbeat law. Anyone who believes in drawing a different line should still vote against Amendment 4, unless they want no line at all. Amendment 4 would enshrine unlimited abortion in the state constitution, making it impossible for the Florida Legislature to make any changes.”

Florida’s strict abortion law was signed into law last year by Governor Ron DeSantis.

“Donald Trump has always said that abortions in late pregnancy, where a baby can feel pain, should never be allowed. He has always been a strong advocate for the rights of parents,” said Taryn Fenske, communications director for the governor’s office.

“Amendment 4 would allow late-stage abortions, eliminate parental consent, and open the door to taxpayer-funded abortions. It is extreme and must be defeated.”