Former President Donald Trump is endorsing a ballot initiative in Florida to ban abortion beyond approximately 15 weeks of pregnancy, a highly unusual move that could boost his credibility with evangelical voters and generate interest in a potential 2024 presidential run.
Trump’s backing of the proposed constitutional amendment, which is facing a Florida Supreme Court review this week, comes as he seeks to solidify his status as the leader of the Republican Party and stamp out possible challengers for the GOP nomination.
The former president’s support for the abortion measure, which was confirmed by his spokeswoman on Monday, represents a significant escalation of his efforts to appeal to social conservatives who play a critical role in GOP primaries. While Trump has long identified as anti-abortion, he has spent his political career navigating the politics of the divisive issue.
Trump’s heightened involvement in the Florida ballot initiative underscores the sway he continues to hold over Republican politics, even after losing his bid for reelection last year and facing multiple investigations into his business dealings and efforts to overturn the 2020 results.
While numerous conservative state legislatures have passed aggressive abortion restrictions this year, the Florida proposal stands out because of Trump’s direct involvement. Governors, lawmakers and interest groups frequently lead such initiatives rather than former presidents.
The proposal, which is sponsored by a Florida organization called Abolish Abortion Florida, would change the state constitution to declare that “the life of every human being begins at the moment of fertilization.” It would ensure “the protection of the right to life of each born and preborn human being,” according to the language submitted to the state.
Current Florida law permits abortions up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, though Medicaid only covers the procedure in cases of rape, incest or if the mother’s life is in danger. Democrats in the state Legislature have successfully blocked more restrictive abortion measures.
Former Trump lawyer John Eastman, who drew national attention for urging then-Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the results of the 2020 election, has been advising the Abolish Abortion Florida group. Eastman has played a diminished role in Republican politics since the January 6 Capitol riot, but his involvement in the Florida initiative underscores continued ties between Trump’s circle and activists pushing the former president’s agenda.
The Florida Supreme Court is reviewing the proposed amendment this week to ensure it addresses a single subject and is clearly written. If justices sign off, supporters will need to gather nearly 900,000 voter signatures to place the measure on the November 2022 ballot.
As Trump weighs another presidential bid, his support for the amendment could strengthen his hand with religious conservatives and generate headlines that appeal to them. Though Trump frequently mused about running again in 2024, he has not made a final decision.