Pence released a statement on X, denouncing Trump’s declaration of opposition to a nationwide abortion ban as disrespectful:
President Trump’s retreat on the Right to Life is a slap in the face to the millions of pro-life Americans who voted for him in 2016 and 2020. By nominating and standing by the confirmation of conservative justices, the Trump-Pence Administration helped send Roe v. Wade to the…
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) April 8, 2024
Pence issued his statement following Trump’s announcement on Truth Social that the issue of abortion would be decided by individual states through voting or legislation. Trump emphasized in his video that his Supreme Court appointments, including Justices Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett, and Brett Kavanaugh, played a significant role in the potential reversal of Roe v. Wade.
“My view is: Now that we have abortion where everybody wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation, or perhaps both, and whatever they decide must be the law of the land,” Trump said in his video, adding that “many states” would differ in their laws and positions on abortion.
“At the end of the day, this is all about the will of the people,” Trump added. “You must follow your heart, or in many cases, your religion or your faith.”
“Do what’s right for your family, and do what’s right for yourself. Do what’s right for your children. Do what’s right for our country, and vote — so important to vote.”
In his video, Trump expressed gratitude towards Kavanaugh, Coney Barrett, and Gorsuch, as well as Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and John Roberts, for their remarkable qualities and their bravery in bringing an end to the 50-year-long dispute surrounding Roe v. Wade. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R- SC) respectfully expressed his disagreement with Trump’s perspective on abortion, stating that he does not believe it to be solely a matter of states’ rights.
“Dobbs does not require that conclusion legally and the pro-life movement has always been about the wellbeing of the unborn child – not geography,” Graham wrote in his post.
Trump was quick to respond saying “should spend more time focusing on all of the many people being killed because of our now non-existent Border, and the millions of people dying in senseless, never-ending Wars.”
Trump then went on to say that Democrats were “thrilled with Lindsey” because they want abortion to “simmer for as long a period of time as possible.”