Did Trump really make a mistake?
During a recent campaign event in South Dakota, former President Donald Trump offered his insights into the potential consequences for the Republican Party if the Supreme Court were to overturn the Roe v. Wade decision. Trump, who had just secured an endorsement from Governor Kristi Noem (R-SD), addressed the topic of abortion at the rally. While expressing his support for abortion restrictions with exceptions for cases of rape, incest, and the mother’s life, Trump expressed concerns about the political ramifications of restricting abortion access.
According to the Washington Examiner, he acknowledged the Supreme Court’s recent decision to end Roe v. Wade, highlighting the significance of this ruling and its potential political costs for the party. Trump suggested that this decision had energized the opposing side, describing them as radicals, while emphasizing that pro-lifers now had significant negotiating power.
It’s important to note that, according to the South Dakota Constitution, abortion is currently prohibited except when the life of the mother is endangered. The trigger ban, which took effect immediately after the Supreme Court’s ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, classifies anyone involved in performing, procuring, or advising an abortion as guilty of a felony.
Furthermore, Trump expressed support for the three exceptions of rape, incest, and the life of the mother, in line with the stance taken by former President Ronald Reagan. He acknowledged that not everyone shared this view, suggesting it was a matter of personal conviction.
This visit marked Trump’s return to South Dakota for the first time since 2020. Although he has not yet announced his choice for a vice president, there is speculation that Governor Noem may be a potential candidate.
In the competitive race for the GOP presidential nomination, Trump is pitted against several prominent figures, including former Vice President Mike Pence, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Texas Representative Will Hurd, Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), Governor Doug Burgum (R-ND), Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL), political commentator Larry Elder, businessman Perry Johnson, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.