Trump loses cool when reporter presses on abortion: “stop talking about it”

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

After casting his ballot 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 bar lawmakers from enacting laws that penalize, prohibit, delay or restrict abortion until a fetus reaches viability—a stage that medical experts estimate occurs after approximately 21 weeks.

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

Trump’s Response

When first asked about the measure, Trump sidestepped the question, saying instead that he had done “a great job bringing it back to the states.” The comment seemingly referred to his role in appointing three conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, which contributed to the 2022 overturning of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.

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

Trump’s Past Remarks on Florida Abortion Measure

Trump initially signaled support for the measure, but later reversed his position, stating he would vote against it.

While speaking to Fox News in August, Trump further spoke about the abortion measure saying “I think six weeks, you need more time.”

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

Abortion in the 2024 Election

Alongside Florida, voters in eight other states are also deciding whether to enshrine abortion rights in their state constitutions, with ballot measures likely to drive turnout in several key races.

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

In October, Newsweek polling conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies ahead of the November 5 election asked participants: “Which issues are most likely to determine how you vote in the November 2024 Presidential Election? You may select up to three.”

Abortion was cited as a key issue by 21 percent of respondents in the first poll of July 2023, and was cited by 38 percent of respondents in the latest poll of October 2024. By contrast, immigration was cited as a key issue by 30 percent of respondents in the first poll of July 2023, and was cited by 36 percent of respondents in the latest poll of October 2024.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.

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