Johnson says he does not see national abortion ban next year, even under Trump

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said in an interview published Friday that he does not anticipate passing any kind of nationwide abortion ban next year, even if Republicans were to control the White House and both chambers of Congress, citing former president Donald Trump’s recent comments that restrictions should be left to the states.

Johnson’s remarks are in stark contrast to his lengthy record of pushing antiabortion legislation, including several bills just before he became speaker. Republicans have tried to downplay abortion as an election issue before November. In recent elections, the issue has motivated Democratic voters, who fear additional restrictions under Republican rule.

In a wide-ranging interview with Politico, Johnson said he did not expect to put forward legislation on abortion before the election or after it, even if Trump were elected and the GOP controlled the House and Senate.