Trump tamped down fights over abortion and marriage. Conservative activists want to bring them back in 2028
Trump Tamped Down Fights Over Abortion and Marriage. Conservative Activists Want to Bring Them Back in 2028
Trump tamped down fights over abortion - Conservative Christian voters have long been a cornerstone of the Republican Party, with the Faith and Freedom Coalition serving as a key player in advancing their values. For nearly two decades, the organization has focused on promoting the sanctity of life and reinforcing the institution of traditional marriage. Yet, recent events at its annual Road to Majority conference in Washington, D.C., revealed a shift in emphasis. While these core issues remained central to the group’s mission, they were largely absent from the discussion, even as President Donald Trump, the conference’s headline speaker, delivered a speech that prioritized other political strategies.
Trump’s return to the White House in 2024 marked a departure from the culture-war rhetoric that defined his earlier campaigns. He has since positioned himself as a unifying figure, steering the Republican agenda away from contentious debates on abortion and same-sex marriage. According to insiders, this approach was driven by a desire to protect the party’s narrow congressional majorities. “Abortion is a political liability,” Trump argued in private, focusing instead on issues that resonate more broadly with his base. Despite this, some within the conservative movement have grown wary of his decision, viewing it as a temporary compromise rather than a long-term solution.
Reviving the Culture War
As the 2028 presidential election looms, social conservatives are preparing to reclaim the spotlight on these divisive topics. The SBA Pro-Life America, a prominent anti-abortion group, has already begun strategizing to influence the early stages of the Republican primary process in key states like Iowa and South Carolina. With a $80 million campaign budget, the organization aims to push candidates toward taking a firm stance on a national abortion cutoff. “To win in Iowa and South Carolina, you must embrace a bold vision for life,” Kelsey Pritchard, a spokesperson for SBA Pro-Life America, emphasized in a recent statement.
"We’re being clear early on … if you want to win in Iowa and South Carolina and to be the GOP nominee and become president, you have to have a bold and clear position on abortion and commitment to life," said Kelsey Pritchard, spokeswoman for SBA Pro-Life America.
Meanwhile, a coalition of conservative groups has launched an initiative targeting the legal status of same-sex marriage. This effort seeks to challenge the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, aiming to reverse the trend of growing public support for LGBTQ+ families. The initiative also includes a push to restrict adoption rights for gay and lesbian couples. These moves are part of a broader strategy to reintroduce cultural issues into the political discourse, which had been sidelined since the 2015 ruling.
Trump’s influence over the party’s platform has allowed him to steer the narrative, removing same-sex marriage from the Republican platform during his 2024 nomination. However, this decision has not quelled the movement’s momentum. Activists argue that the party’s reliance on Trump’s political power has left them vulnerable to shifting public opinion. “The GOP is becoming dependent on a single leader to shield them from the consequences of their ideological choices,” said Steve Deace, a conservative commentator. “Once Trump’s dominance wanes, those debates will return with renewed intensity.”
Expanding the Frontlines
Some conservatives are taking the fight further, targeting new areas such as surrogacy. Recent legislation introduced by Republican House members seeks to impose restrictions on commercial surrogacy, framing it as a threat to traditional family structures. In a striking example, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier described surrogacy as “modern day slavery,” calling for immediate action to curb the practice. These developments signal a growing willingness to explore uncharted territory in the culture war, potentially widening the scope of the Republican Party’s agenda.
Supporters of these initiatives believe that cultural issues remain potent tools for mobilizing voters. Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project, argued that the party is now better positioned to take the offensive on such matters. “The Republican Party has a unique opportunity to reframe the national conversation,” Schilling stated. “If they don’t act boldly, they risk alienating their core supporters.” This sentiment is echoed by analysts who note the declining support for same-sex marriage, which has dropped from a peak of 71% in 2022 to 68% in recent years, according to Gallup. Similarly, moral acceptance of out-of-wedlock births and birth control use has also seen gradual declines, suggesting a potential shift in public sentiment.
Despite these trends, the Faith and Freedom Coalition has shown little urgency to confront Trump directly. During the conference, attendees expressed confidence in his ability to maintain the party’s cohesion, even as he deprioritized their traditional causes. “Trump’s leadership has kept the party united, even when he hasn’t addressed every issue,” one delegate noted. However, this deference may be temporary. With the 2028 race approaching, activists are preparing to challenge the status quo, eager to ensure that cultural values remain at the forefront of Republican politics.
Historically, the Faith and Freedom Coalition has been a driving force behind the conservative movement, but its recent actions suggest a cautious approach. While it continues to advocate for life and traditional marriage, its focus on the 2028 election indicates a strategic shift toward active engagement with the primary process. This approach could lead to a more pronounced role for social conservatives in shaping the Republican field, potentially resulting in a more ideologically aligned presidential nominee.
As the party looks toward a post-Trump era, the balance of power among its factions is expected to shift. Trump’s ability to dominate the agenda has allowed for a more centralized approach to policy, but his absence may create opportunities for other voices to emerge. “The political landscape is changing, and we need to adapt to ensure our values aren’t forgotten,” said a coalition member. With the 2028 election as a focal point, the future of abortion and marriage debates in the Republican Party appears to be both inevitable and transformative.