A Super PAC, Never Back Down, that supports Ron DeSantis’ 2024 presidential bid, is initiating an advertisement campaign targeting former President Donald Trump’s alleged departure from the pro-life community over his comments on Florida’s heartbeat law. The ad utilizes Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ backing of her state’s similar legislation and includes commentary from pro-life activist Bob Vander Plaats, claiming Trump’s critique of DeSantis’ heartbeat bill alienates him from the pro-life community.
The campaign will take multiple forms including a billboard ad, a mobile billboard truck, and a digital ad, circulating on Facebook within a mile of Trump’s Iowa locations on Thursday. Additionally, the video will be texted to Iowa GOP primary voters and showcased on a street billboard near Trump’s events. The billboard ad will read: “Iowa protects children with heartbeats… but Trump says that’s ‘too harsh.'”
Governor Reynolds expressed support for DeSantis’ pro-life action during an event on Tuesday night, referring to the Florida heartbeat bill that she signed into law in 2018. Despite Trump’s recent remarks that have sparked pro-life concern, he has previously been celebrated as the most pro-life president in American history, noted for his history-making presence at the national March for Life and numerous pro-life judge appointments.
Florida’s heartbeat bill, which bans most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, was signed by DeSantis into law in April. Some Republicans were wary that this action would negatively affect DeSantis’ national prospects, but the legislation was generally well-received by pro-life organizations. This came after former President Trump’s contentious abortion commentary during the midterm elections, in which he suggested that Republicans’ handling of the issue was responsible for their electoral downfall.
Trump’s comments have stirred worries that GOP leaders might steer clear of the abortion debate in future elections. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America released a statement stressing the importance of clear, pro-life positioning for success in federal races. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung’s statement that the Supreme Court got it right in declaring abortion a state-level issue, along with Trump’s criticism of DeSantis’ heartbeat bill, have added to these anxieties within the pro-life community.