In a surprising turn of events on Fox News, former President Donald Trump faced an unexpected pushback during a discussion on the network, particularly surrounding his controversial claims about abortion.
Trump, known for his frequent exaggerations and fabrications, has repeatedly insisted that Democrats support late-term abortions, including the grotesque assertion that some states allow infanticide after birth. However, this time, Fox News anchor Shannon Bream stepped in to correct the narrative.
During the segment, Trump once again claimed that Democrats advocate for abortions up until and even after the moment of birth. This assertion, which has been debunked multiple times, was immediately challenged by Bream, who clarified that while some states allow abortions later in pregnancy, no state condones infanticide or the termination of a baby after birth.
She emphasized that infanticide is illegal and morally wrong, a stance universally agreed upon across the political spectrum.
Bream’s intervention was notable because it marked a rare instance of Fox News directly countering one of Trump’s more egregious falsehoods in real-time. This fact-checking moment stood out, especially considering the network’s history of providing Trump with a platform to disseminate his views without significant challenge.
The correction seemed to reflect a heightened awareness at Fox News, likely influenced by the costly lawsuit the network recently settled, which was related to the promotion of false information.
Trump’s claim about Democrats’ stance on abortion is part of a broader strategy to galvanize his base by painting his opponents as extremists.
However, as Bream pointed out, the facts don’t support his narrative. The vast majority of abortions in the United States occur early in pregnancy, with only a minuscule percentage happening after 21 weeks, and those are typically due to severe medical complications.
The moment also highlighted the tension within the pro-life movement regarding Trump’s approach. Some pro-life advocates, like Lila Rose, have criticized Trump for what they see as a politically unwise and morally unprincipled strategy, potentially alienating voters who might otherwise support him. Rose argued that by pandering to more extreme elements, Trump risks losing moderate supporters and could ultimately cost himself the election.
The episode on Fox News served as a reminder of the importance of holding political figures accountable for their statements, particularly when those statements are misleading or false.
While it remains to be seen how this will impact Trump’s base or his standing within the broader political landscape, the moment was a significant deviation from the usual treatment he receives on the network. It underscores the need for media outlets to challenge misinformation, regardless of the source, to ensure a more informed and truthful public discourse.
