Trump loses temper as reporter presses abortion: 'Stop talking about it'

Former President Donald Trump appeared to lose his temper when a reporter pressed him on an abortion measure, saying, “You should stop talking about it.”

After casting his vote in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, the former president was asked twice about a proposed measure on the state's ballot. If passed, the measure would prevent lawmakers from passing laws that penalize, ban, delay or restrict abortions until a fetus is viable – a stage that medical experts estimate occurs at about 21 weeks.

If the measure is defeated, Florida's restrictive six-week abortion law will remain in effect.

Trump's answer

When Trump was first asked about the measure, he sidestepped the question and instead said that he had “done a great job bringing it back to the states.” The comment apparently referred to his role in appointing three conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, which helped lead to the landmark's ouster in 2022 Roe v. Wade Decision.

When pressed about it a second time, Trump responded sharply, telling a reporter, “You should stop talking about it.”

Trump's previous comments on Florida's abortion measure

Trump initially signaled support for the measure, but later changed his position and said he would vote against it.

During a conversation with Fox News in August, Trump spoke further about the abortion measure, saying, “I think six weeks, you need more time.”

However, he added, “At the same time, Democrats are radical,” repeating unfounded claims he has often made regarding late-term abortions.

Abortion in the 2024 election

In addition to Florida, voters in eight other states are also deciding whether to enshrine abortion rights in their state constitutions, with ballot measures likely to boost turnout in several key elections.

If approved, the proposed changes could roll back existing bans or restrictions in Arizona, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota that currently limit access to abortion for over 7 million women of childbearing age in those states.

In October, Newsweek In a survey conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies ahead of the Nov. 5 election, respondents were asked, “Which issues are most likely to determine how you vote in the November 2024 presidential election?” You can choose up to three.”

Abortion was mentioned as a central issue by 21 percent of respondents in the first survey from July 2023, and by 38 percent of respondents in the last survey from October 2024. In contrast, immigration was cited as a key issue by 30 percent of respondents in the first survey conducted in July 2023 and was cited by 36 percent of respondents in the most recent survey conducted in October 2024.

This article contains reporting from The Associated Press.

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