CNN anchor Jim Acosta got into a back-and-forth Wednesday with GOP strategist and former Trump aide Bryan Lanza over the topic of former President Trump and a national abortion ban.
“Trump called his answer on abortion, quote, ‘perfect,’ but when the moderators pressed him on whether he would veto a national abortion ban, he refused to answer,” Acosta said on “CNN Newsroom.”
“I think he said it in the past that he wouldn’t sign a national [abortion] ban, and I think JD Vance has also stated that,” Lanza responded, referring to Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance (Ohio). “I think what he said last night is like, why are we —”
Acosta cut in, remarking that the former president “didn’t say he would veto it.”
“I was answering the question, Jim, [thank you for giving] me the opportunity,” Lanza responded.
The two went back and forth, with Acosta going silent for a period of time as Lanza talked, but later cut back in.
“This ain’t C-SPAN, Bryan … when I ask you a question, whether … why he didn’t say whether he would veto it, you can’t just go on and on forever,” Acosta remarked.
Trump refused to pledge to veto a national abortion ban Tuesday during his presidential debate versus Vice President Harris. The former president suggested Congress did not need to pass a ban when asked if he would veto one.
“I’m not in favor of an abortion ban, but it doesn’t matter, because this issue has now been taken over by the states,” Trump said. “I wouldn’t have to.”
Harris went after Trump over the different abortion laws across the U.S.
“The government, and Donald Trump certainly, should not be telling a woman what to do with her body,” Harris said.
The Hill has reached out to Mercury Public Affairs, where Lanza works, for comment.