Melania Trump stated in a recent interview that her husband, Donald Trump, has been aware of her views on abortion rights “since the day we met.” In an interview aired on Sunday, October 6, on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, the former first lady emphasized her belief in individual freedom regarding personal choices.
“He knew my position and my beliefs since the day we met, and I believe in individual freedom,” said Melania, 54. “I want to decide what I want to do with my body. I think, I don’t want government in my personal business.”
Her comments are part of a broader discussion surrounding her upcoming memoir, Melania, which is set to be released on Tuesday, October 8. In the book, she is reported to criticize governmental restrictions on reproductive rights, including those concerning abortion.
“It is imperative to guarantee that women have autonomy in deciding their preference of having children, based on their own convictions, free from any intervention or pressure from the government,” she writes, according to a copy obtained by The Guardian.
Melania argues, “Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body? A woman’s fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes.”
When questioned about the timing of her announcement—coming just weeks before the 2024 presidential election—Melania clarified that her views were not hastily written. “That book was written months before, and it was in print months before,” she explained. “So that was my belief, and it is my belief, and I wanted to put it in the book because I want to be authentic.”
The former first lady’s position on abortion rights contrasts sharply with the political legacy of her husband, who has frequently labeled himself as “the most pro-life president in American history.” Donald Trump, 78, has shifted his stance over the years, moving from a “pro-choice” position in a 1999 interview to adopting a “pro-life” agenda during his 2016 presidential campaign. During that campaign, he called for a ban on abortions and suggested punishing women who sought them. However, he later redirected his criticism toward the physicians who perform abortions.
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While Donald Trump has emphasized his anti-abortion credentials—often reminding voters that he appointed the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade—his stance has become less clear during the current campaign cycle, particularly as polling indicates that a majority of Americans support reproductive rights.
In September, Trump suggested on his Truth Social platform that the topic of reproductive rights would be irrelevant if he were elected again. He remarked that women’s current lives are “miserable” and claimed, “I will fix all of that, and fast, and at long last this national nightmare will be over.” He added that women would be “happy, healthy, confident and free,” indicating that the issue of abortion would be returned to state control, emphasizing a preference for a decision-making process rooted in public voting.
Melania Trump’s advocacy for abortion rights reflects a significant divergence from her husband’s political narrative. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, her comments could spark renewed debate about the role of personal beliefs in political discourse, especially within the Republican Party.
As the campaign heats up, Melania’s memoir promises to offer insight into her views, which could impact not only her husband’s campaign but also the broader conversation surrounding women’s rights in America. By framing her stance within the context of individual liberty and autonomy, she positions herself as a voice for women’s rights, challenging the prevailing attitudes within her husband’s political sphere.
