As Donald Trump settles into his second stint in the Oval Office, a key constituency that helped propel him there – the anti-abortion movement – is taking stock of its role and goals in his administration. While Trump has already delivered some early wins, activists gathered at the annual March for Life and National Pro-Life Summit seem to recognize that their work is far from over.
Trump’s return to power was greeted with raucous enthusiasm at the summit, with chants of “Thank you Mr. President!” and tributes to his anti-abortion bona fides. “For those of you that were advocating for an America that isn’t weak and pathetic… it is amazing to see how quick America can get back on pace,” proclaimed Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA to roaring applause.
Early Victories, but Unfinished Business
In his first days, Trump has already notched some clear wins for the movement:
- Reinstating the Mexico City policy limiting funding for overseas groups involved in abortion
- Declaring that gender begins “at conception” via executive order
- Pardoning anti-abortion activists convicted of clinic trespassing
- Curbing prosecutions under the FACE Act protecting clinics
Yet Trump has held back on more sweeping measures, like using the Comstock Act to ban abortion nationwide – leaving anti-abortion leaders pondering just what their role will be in his second administration.
A Transactional Relationship
In 2016, anti-abortion groups made a deal: deliver their organizing might to Trump in exchange for conservative Supreme Court picks. He held up his end, appointing the justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade. But by 2024, after several red states voted to preserve abortion access, Trump’s commitment seemed to waver.
You can think we’re annoying all you want, but we have a lot of people and we haven’t gone away.
– Kristan Hawkins, Students for Life of America
Now, leaders like Hawkins want assurances, calling for Trump to defund Planned Parenthood and have his HHS nominee roll back approval of abortion pills. In making their demands, they’re touting their greatest asset: a massive grassroots army.
Embracing Trumpism
Even if Trump himself wavers, much of the anti-abortion rank-and-file seem eager to go all-in on his movement anyway. MAGA hats dotted the crowd at the summit, where speakers heaped praise on Trump and vice president JD Vance.
We need more babies!
– Kevin Roberts, Heritage Foundation, on Vance’s speech
Whether leaning on Trump’s popularity to advance their aims, or advancing his popularity to gain clout, the fates of the anti-abortion cause and Trumpism seem increasingly intertwined. In yolking itself to a political brand, though, the movement must hope that brand endures.
An Uncertain Road Ahead
For now, anti-abortion forces are basking in their newfound sway in a Trump White House. But nagging questions linger about just how far that influence extends. Will Trump spend his hard-won political capital on their key priorities? Can the grassroots energy be sustained if wins prove halting or elusive? The movement bet big on Trump, and now eagerly awaits the payoff.
As activists streamed out of the summit, one theme seemed to echo: this is only the beginning. “We haven’t gone away,” Hawkins noted with a hint of warning. Where the road leads from here – for the movement and the president they lifted to power – remains to be charted.
