Trump’s “Father of IVF” Claim Puzzles Voters at All-Women Town Hall
In a bid to win over female voters, former President Donald Trump made waves at an all-women town hall event in Georgia. The Fox News-hosted forum saw Trump tackle tough questions on abortion, IVF, and women’s rights. But his puzzling claim to be the “father of IVF” left many scratching their heads.
Trump faced a friendly crowd, but the pressure was on. With polls showing him trailing among women voters, he needed to make a strong impression. The former president stuck to familiar ground on many issues. He promised to lower energy costs by boosting fossil fuel production. He also backed expanding child tax credits to help struggling parents.
But when asked about fertility treatments, Trump stumbled. “I’m the father of IVF,” he declared, leaving audience members visibly confused. His team later said he was joking, but the moment highlighted Trump’s challenges in connecting with women on reproductive issues.
The IVF comment came as Trump tried to reassure voters about Republican support for fertility treatments. Recent legal battles have put IVF access at risk in some states. Trump insisted his party stands behind IVF, calling the GOP “the party for IVF.”
Trump walked a fine line on abortion, taking credit for overturning Roe v. Wade while saying states should decide abortion policy. One voter pressed him directly: “Why is the government involved in women’s basic rights?” Trump’s careful response showed he knows abortion remains a weak spot with many female voters.
The town hall format gave Trump a chance to soften his image. But old habits die hard. He praised a female senator as “fantastically attractive,” a comment that may not sit well with voters seeking substance over style.
Despite the friendly setting, tough questions emerged. One woman asked pointedly about Trump’s abortion stance. Others quizzed him on childcare costs and immigration policy. Trump stuck to his usual talking points, promising to secure the border and boost the economy.
Some audience members were clearly Trump fans. “I know you will fight for us,” one woman told him. But others seemed more skeptical, especially on reproductive rights issues.
Polls show Trump still lags with women voters in key swing states like Georgia. The gender gap could prove decisive in what’s shaping up to be a tight race. Trump’s team knows he needs to make inroads with women to secure victory in November.
The former president has been working to reframe issues like crime and the economy to appeal to women voters. At rallies, he asserts his appeal to women and dismisses any discussion of a gender gap. But events like this town hall show Team Trump knows they have work to do.
As the campaign heats up, expect to see more efforts to court women voters from both sides. Trump will likely keep holding women-focused events and touting policies he says will help families. But gaffes like the “father of IVF” comment show he still struggles to connect on some key issues.
With election day looming, the race for women’s votes is on. Trump’s performance at this town hall was not entirely satisfactory. To close the gender gap, he’ll need to sharpen his message and avoid unforced errors.
Come November, the “father of IVF” might need to reconsider his strategies in order to win over America’s mothers, daughters, and sisters.