Donald Trump dismissing abortion as 'very small issue' in upcoming election causes outrage

Donald Trump made his claims regarding the diminishing importance of abortion on elections during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate
Donald Trump questioned the significance of debate over abortion rights in upcoming elections (Getty Images)
Donald Trump questioned the significance of debate over abortion rights in upcoming elections (Getty Images)

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Donald Trump asserted that abortion is no longer a significant factor in elections, predicting it will become a "a very small issue” in the upcoming November vote.

The former president, who held a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Thursday, August 8, discussed the role of abortion in current politics and hinted at a forthcoming announcement regarding his stance on a Florida constitutional amendment related to abortion rights.

Donald Trump's plans for Florida abortion amendment

Donald Trump revealed that he will vote on a Florida ballot that aims to protect the right to abortion, potentially overturning the state's existing six-week abortion ban.

(Getty Images)
Donald Trump said he would announce plans for Florida abortion amendments (Getty Images)

Reiterating his position, Trump voiced support for exceptions for abortion bans in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is at risk.

He noted that “seems to be much less of an issue, especially for those [states] where they have the exceptions.”

Trump took credit for shifting the debate on abortion to the state level, following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade.

The 78-year-old politician pointed to recent state-level votes where voters in traditionally conservative states like Ohio and Kansas chose to protect abortion access by enshrining it in their state constitutions or rejecting amendments that would limit it.

He suggested that these outcomes were “much more, if you could say, liberal than you would think.”

Donald Trump discusses abortion's diminishing role in politics

Donald Trump acknowledged that the absence of exceptions in abortion bans made the issue "much tougher" for voters.

However, he argued that a majority of Republicans support exceptions and that more members of the party may be changing their views on this front.

Trump’s current home state of Florida will include a right-to-abortion ballot measure in November.

Speaking about plans to vote on the measure, the Republican presidential nominee said, “I’m going to announce that. I’m gonna actually have a press conference on that at some point in the near future, so I don’t want to tell you now.”

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - AUGUST 08: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate on August 08, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida. Polls currently show a close race between Trump and Democratic presidential candidate, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Donald Trump discussed abortion's diminishing role in politics during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate on August 08, 2024 (Getty Images)

“I think that abortion has become much less of an issue. It’s a very I think it’s actually going to be very small issue,” he continued.

“I think the abortion issue has been taken down many notches. I don’t think it’s — I don’t think it’s a big factor anymore, really," Trump added, according to The Hill.

Donald Trump slammed for dismissing abortion as 'small issue' in 2024 election

As Donald Trump downplayed the significance of abortion in future elections, netizens criticized the former president's claim.

One user on X wrote, "Oh he’s got that all wrong. Big miscalculation," while another tweeted, "He will catch just how big of a deal it is come election GASLIGHTING."



 



 

"To him. That should tell us all we need to know," a netizen commented, and someone remarked, "Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! Boy, is he in for a BIG SHOCK!!"



 



 

"Just because he says it doesn’t make it true, since he speaks 100% lies," a user penned, and an individual added, "Wishful thinking. The man lives in an alternate reality."



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The Trump administration sued in Brooklyn in July 2025, arguing that the city’s law violated the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause
2026-10-16T20:03:56.000Z
Trump's remarks came after a White House official reportedly warned that Zacharia needed to improve quickly or risk losing her job, just hours after her debut briefing
2026-10-16T18:50:09.000Z
Former Clinton adviser James Carville told Democrats to sharpen their messaging and advance legislation popular with voters
2026-10-16T17:50:04.000Z
President Donald Trump reportedly consulted allies on whether to fire longtime Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and appoint a replacement
2026-10-16T16:42:09.000Z
WH counsel told a judge Trump invoked executive privilege to shield communications with advisers and Kennedy Center employees over official duties
2026-10-16T08:01:26.000Z
So far, Donald Trump has not endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel's October 27 election
2026-10-16T07:18:58.000Z
According to FEC filings, Elon Musk contributed $75 million to the Senate Leadership Fund on September 9 and another $83 million on September 23
2026-10-16T06:26:37.000Z
Marco Rubio questioned how many political candidates could win elections by promising to put America’s interests behind those of other countries
2026-10-16T05:58:53.000Z
Virginia contractor Agile1Tech’s initial $22,000 contract was expanded by $27,600 to cover three additional chandeliers
2026-10-16T05:38:23.000Z
The tense exchange unfolded during a healthcare event in Virginia Beach, where Kennedy appeared alongside Republican Rep Jennifer Kiggans
2026-10-16T05:18:48.000Z