Donald Trump is scheduled to speak to a group of influential evangelicals who strongly support him but are seeking more concrete commitments on abortion restrictions. While Trump has appointed Supreme Court justices who have overturned abortion rights, he has been hesitant to endorse a nationwide ban on abortion, citing potential political repercussions. This stance contrasts with the desires of many evangelical voters who advocate for a federal ban on abortion.
Ralph Reed, founder of the Faith & Freedom Coalition hosting Trump's address, expressed the evangelical movement's wish for elected officials to boldly advocate for pro-life views. Despite Trump's nuanced stance on abortion, Reed believes that his unwavering support among evangelical voters remains intact due to his perceived contributions to the pro-life cause.
White evangelical Christians played a significant role in Trump's 2020 electoral support, with approximately 8 in 10 supporting him. Reed's organization plans to mobilize volunteers and paid workers to canvass battleground states in support of Trump and other Republican candidates.
Trump's evolving position on abortion has been a subject of scrutiny, with his recent statements indicating a preference for leaving the issue to individual states rather than endorsing a national ban. While Trump has been credited with influencing the reversal of Roe v. Wade, he has refrained from clarifying his stance on certain aspects of abortion policy, such as access to the abortion pill mifepristone.
In 2016, Trump initially faced skepticism from white evangelical Christians due to his past statements and personal history. However, his commitments to appointing anti-abortion justices and selecting Mike Pence as his running mate helped secure their support. Potential running mates for Trump, including Elise Stefanik, Ben Carson, and Kari Lake, are also addressing the evangelical conference, with members of the Faith & Freedom Coalition closely monitoring their alignment with Trump's values.
