Donald Trump Will Overturn Same-Sex Marriage Laws, Outlines Plans In Interview
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has made another bold announcement that can make or break his bid for the GOP nomination, as well as in the general elections.
During an interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s This Week on Sunday, Trump, 69, was asked about what types of judges he would appoint if he were to become president of the country.
The billionaire initially said that appointing trusted judges who will follow his vision is very important. He also said that he would appoint conservative judges that have great reputations.
When Stephanopoulos brought up the issue that Trump’s closest rival, Ted Cruz, would also bring ”rock rib” conservatives that have proven track records into the Supreme Court, Trump said that Cruz, 45, supported John Roberts’ bid to become Chief Justice back in 2005.
When former president George W. Bush appointed Roberts, the Texas senator was his biggest supporter. However, he added that Justice Roberts has become a “nightmare for conservatives.”
“He turned out to be an absolute disaster because he gave us Obamacare,” Donald Trump said.
RT @AP_Politics Donald Trump calls Roberts ‘disgraceful’ as chief justice, Thomas is his favorite justice: https://t.co/u9TMwqxf03
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 12, 2015
Stephanopoulos then asked how would he make sure that his appointed judges would not betray him. In response, Trump said he would be vigilant and that he would consult with conservative people whom he respects.
“And I don’t think I’ll have any catastrophic appointment like Justice Roberts, which was really more than anybody else, pushed by Cruz and Bush,” the Republican presidential front-runner concluded.
Listen to the Full Interview of George Stephanopoulos with Donald Trump
Most people didn’t think there was anything controversial about these remarks. That changed quickly when a related issue on same-sex marriage was brought up during Fox News Sunday, in which Donald Trump was interviewed by Chris Wallace.
Wallace referred to Trump’s previous remarks where he said that any politician who would attempt to amend the Constitution are just “playing politics.” He then asked Trump if he meant that people should just accept the ruling on same-sex marriage and just move on.
Trump responded that if he were to be elected U.S. president, he would appoint several judges who “maybe can change things.” He added that he did not agree that the Supreme Court ruled on the case, which should have been given to the state.
“I would have much preferred that they ruled at a state level and allowed the states to make those rulings themselves,” Trump said.
Wallace probed further and asked Trump to elaborate on his previous comments.
“Are you saying that if you become president, you might try to appoint justices to overrule the decision on same-sex marriage?” Wallace asked.
And Trump responded with a bold, “I would strongly consider that, yes.”
Debate Moderator Chris Wallace Grills Donald Trump on Fox News Sunday
Trump’s most recent statement is definitely a bold stand on a very controversial and sensitive issue, especially among the LGBT community. He also mentioned the action that the Supreme Court made regarding the Obergefell case.
To be clear, Donald Trump is now arguing that he wants to appoint justices to #SCOTUS who would reverse Obergefell: https://t.co/rKLKdzwtEy
— Chris Geidner (@chrisgeidner) January 31, 2016
The billionaire and TV personality, who has been married three times so far, currently leads other Republican presidential candidates by double digits, and is seen as a sure winner in the Iowa caucuses on Monday.
Iowa GOP polls show @realDonaldTrump regaining lead over @tedcruz https://t.co/mztGWezVJS pic.twitter.com/ECzi7IFtII
— Meet the Press (@meetthepress) January 31, 2016
Trump’s comments may be shocking, but he is not the only presidential candidate who has vowed to make amendments regarding same-sex marriages in the United States.
Other candidates include his closest rival, Ted Cruz, and fellow GOP candidates Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, Jeb Bush, Rand Paul, Carly Fiorina, Rick Santorum, and Mike Huckabee.
In addition, some conservatives have placed Cruz over Donald Trump as a “champion for marriage.” They also criticized his previous stand, in which he said that the battle against same-sex marriage is a dead issue.
[Image by Joe Raedle/Getty Images]
