Donald Trump says he would veto national abortion ban; Democrats doubt it

WASHINGTON - Former President Donald Trump tried during Tuesday's vice presidential debate to cut off talk about a national abortion ban, saying he would veto such a proposal even if it somehow gets passed by Congress.

Arguing that states should decide abortion policy, Trump blogged on Truth Social during the debate: "EVERYONE KNOWS I WOULD NOT SUPPORT A FEDERAL ABORTION BAN, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, AND WOULD, IN FACT, VETO IT."

Trump was responding to an abortion question to running mate JD Vance, who has supported national abortion bans in the past.

More: Debate live coverage: JD Vance, Tim Walz face off over abortion rights, Capitol riot

In his Truth Social post, Trump said that he supports exceptions to any anti-abortion law in cases of rape, incest, and to protect the life of the mother.

Trump's opponents - Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz - have sought to use the abortion issue against Trump in battleground states from Arizona to Wisconsin. Democrats have questioned Trump's claim, saying he would placate his anti-abortion base if he gets back in the White House.

They also noted that Trump has supported state abortion bans that have led to the deaths of young women.

"This is about health care," Walz said during the debate. "We trust women. We trust doctors."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says he would veto national abortion ban; Democrats doubt it