Trump said Thursday that he wants to leave abortion policy up to the states but that federal restrictions could ‘supplement’ state law.
Former President Donald Trump said Thursday that he believes abortion will be a “small issue” in the November elections now that the power to ban abortion is in the hands of state lawmakers, but added that he is open to federal restrictions on abortion that would “supplement” state policy.
A reporter asked Trump if, for example, he would use presidential power to restrict access to one of the drugs commonly used in medication abortion.
His answer left observers guessing as to whether Trump was open to restricting mifepristone, which is used in about two-thirds of abortions, or simply didn’t understand what he was being asked.
Here’s the relevant portion of the news conference:
Reporter: There are other things the federal government could do, not just a ban. Would you direct your FDA [Food and Drug Administration], for example, to revoke access to mifepristone? That’s one of the things that’s been discussed.
Trump: Sure, you can do things that will supplement. Absolutely. And those things are pretty open, and humane, but you have to be able to have a vote, and all I want to do is give everybody a vote, and the votes are taking place right now as we speak.
Reporter: Is that something you would consider?
Trump: There are many things on a humane basis that you can do — outside of that, but you also have to give a vote, and the people are going to have to decide.
Asked about how he plans to campaign on abortion, Trump said quickly that he thinks “abortion has become much less of an issue. It’s a very — I think it’s actually going to be a very small issue.”
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