'Pandering to Trump for VP spot': Doug Burgum blasted for reversing abortion stand, asserting he 'evolved'

WASHINGTON, DC: North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, a top contender for former President Donald Trump's running mate pick, asserted that he "evolved" on his stance on abortion, reversing previous claim that America was "unsafe" for women before Roe v Wade.

"When you outlaw the ability to terminate pregnancies and make it illegal, it just makes it unsafe for some of the most vulnerable people in the world — young women who are scared, who are afraid, who are in a spot, you know, that they don't want to be in," the Republican said during his 2016 gubernatorial campaign.

"America was an unsafe place for women before Roe v Wade," he claimed at the time.

Eight years later, Burgum switched his position on abortion access in a post-Roe v Wade America, where he is highly likely to be Trump's vice presidential candidate in the 2024 race.

Doug Burgum says he has 'evolved' on his position on abortion access

During an interview on NBC News' 'Meet the Press' host Kristen Welker played the 2016 clip and asked the governor whether the country was "unsafe" for women after the overturning of Roe v Wade.

"No, it's not," Burgum replied. "And, of course, this is something that should have been returned to the states."

"Let's be clear, that was a comment from over eight years ago. And certainly, I've evolved in that position," he added, repeating the individual states' right to form abortion laws.

The Republican VP affirmed he was against a federal abortion aligning with Trump. The former president in April announced his final stance on abortion, rejecting to endorse a nationwide abortion ban and instead leaving it to states. The conservative majority SCOTUS in 2022 upended Roe v Wade, taking away the right to constitutional abortion.

Further into the interview, Burgum rejected the notion that his change of standpoint on abortion was not a result of his likely VP post. He advocated for individual states to create their own abortion laws, asserting that protecting life and providing care to mothers could be managed more effectively at the state level.

Internet criticizes Doug Burgum for reversing his stance on women being 'unsafe' before Roe v Wade

Netizens blasted Burgum for taking a u-turn on his previous claim that pre-Roe v Wade America was "unsafe" for women.

"Doug Burgum hasn't evolved since he supported Roe vs Wade, he has devolved: His spine has atrophied, and his nose is now firmly lodged in fascist demagogue Donald Trump's crowded ass. The only cure for the sad, spineless pseudo-conservatives left in the GOP is to vote them out," a user wrote.

"@DougBurgum is a louse who’s changed his tune for the benefit of a convicted felon, and the detriment of American women," another remarked.

"You’ve done women no favors, @DougBurgum. You 'evolved'. We got dragged back 50 yrs. How nice for YOU. #ForcedBirth, not so great for us. Your party will continue to pay for this at the polls. Women will fight until we regain autonomy over our bodies, however long it takes," added a third user.

"He hasn't 'evolved'. He has become a MAGAt," read a fourth response.

"The thing that changed is you’re clearly pandering to Trump for that VP spot," another person said.

"Apparently, he'll say anything to get some power," someone else argued.

"Republicans like Burgum will say anything to stay in the good graces of Trump especially if they see a potential VP or cabinet position in their future," an individual wrote.

"Dang. I'd thought this guy was at least Sorta decent; everything trump touches, dies," another user added.

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.