Former President Trump recently announced his position on abortion, causing reactions from all sides. While there was speculation Trump might support a national 15-week abortion ban, in this video announcement, Trump said he plans to leave those decisions to the states. He said he’s proud to have overturned Roe v. Wade, but that, “It’s up to the states to do the right thing.”

While some conservatives and pro-life advocates are voicing unhappiness with Trump’s announcement, many pragmatic or moderate voters seem satisfied with his stance. Progressives and Democrats who tend to disagree with the overturning of Roe v. Wade seem unhappy across the board.

• Online discussion of Trump and abortion spiked on the day of his announcement, reaching nearly 2,500.
• Trump’s approval on abortion increased slightly nationally, moving from 45% before his announcement to 48% on the day and 52% the following day.
• In swing states, Trump’s approval on abortion dropped from 49% to 45% with the announcement, recovering slightly the next day to 46%.

Overall, it seems Trump’s populist stance is relatively well-received among moderate voters, who he needs to win in the general election.

Backlash for Mike Pence Tweet

Trump’s former Vice President Mike Pence also received negativity for an X post condemning what he called, “President Trump's retreat on the Right to Life.” He also called it a slap in the face to the millions of pro-life Americans who voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020.

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

MIG Reports analysis of voter reactions to Pence’s attack on his former running mate reveals many view the statement as a slap in the face to the MAGA movement.

• Many people are expressing negative sentiment towards Mike Pence, with frequent accusations of him being a "traitor" or "backstabber."
• Numerous people are referring to Pence as a RINO, suggesting they believe he is not a true representative of conservative values or the Republican party.
• Others decry Pence for lacking the political skill to win or for hypocrisy on other issues.
• People are criticizing Pence for his pro-life stance, arguing that he cannot win elections if he continues to maintain this position. They argue most Americans are not pro-life, hence he cannot appeal to the majority with his current views.
• Some accuse Pence of being a hypocrite for claiming to be pro-life while supporting endless war.

Following his tweet, Pence received an onslaught of negative backlash, seeing five times as many negative comments as positive comments. As a result, Pence’s approval among those discussing him online dropped from 47% to 41%.

Republicans’ View of Trump’s Abortion Stance

Republicans have mixed responses to Trump’s abortion announcement, depending on the intensity of their pro-life views. Many applaud Trump's willingness to leave the decision to individual states, viewing it as a constitutionally sound approach.

A majority of conservatives and Republicans believe Roe v. Wade was unconstitutional and support Trump's call for states to decide on abortion rights. However, there are also staunchly pro-life Republicans who disagree with Trump's stance as too weak, saying that they value the sanctity of life over political pragmatism.

There are a few Republicans who express doubt about Trump's sincerity, suspecting that he is not genuinely pro-life and is just using the issue for political gain. They worry his stance could alienate some GOP voters, potentially costing him crucial support in the upcoming elections.

Although most conservatives are personally pro-life, many also say they support Trump’s decision as a fulfillment of the pro-life movement's long-term goals. This group believes Trump's relatively moderate position is a necessary step for their cause. They suggest this move is strategic, aiming to win more moderates in the election and that it will bode well, as other recent events have.

Moderate and Independent Responses

Moderates have a range of views, with some supporting Trump's position and others opposing it. Those in favor appreciate his nuanced approach, allowing for exceptions and leaving the decision up to states. Those against criticize Trump for reversing his position and accuse him of lying to gain political advantage.

Many moderates seem to be skeptical about Trump's pro-life stance. They express concerns about his shifting political views and question his sincerity. Some imply he’s merely using the pro-life platform to win votes, rather than genuinely supporting the cause. They suggest that his stance on abortion might not garner him the broad support he might be expecting.

Others, however, approve of his endorsement of states' rights, viewing it as a balanced approach that allows for a diversity of views on abortion. While those who disapprove can be very vocal, Trump’s approval on abortion among moderates and in swing states is still relatively strong. This suggests many independents may be satisfied but less willing to express it publicly.

Democrat Ire Over Roe v. Wade

Unsurprisingly, Democrats appear to be firmly against Trump's stance, focusing on the belief that his administration aimed to control women's bodies and limit their choices. Liberals accuse Trump of lying about his intentions, with some asserting that he laid the groundwork for a national abortion ban. They emphasize their ongoing anger over repealing Roe v. Wade and express concern about the potential impact of overturning it.

Democrats seem to largely feel that Trump's pro-life stance is dishonest, suggesting he was historically pro-choice and only changed his stance for political gain. They point to his past statements and actions as evidence. Some go as far as accusing him of exploiting the pro-life movement for his own advantage.