Trump made headlines this weekend when he seemingly endorsed an anti-fracking ballot initiative sponsored by the most unlikely supporters of a Republican presidential candidate, ever — fractivists.
But is that what Trump really said?
It seems his interview with Channel 9’s Brandon Rittiman has been taken a little out of context.
Here’s the transcript:
RITTMAN: And while we are on the top of state, local control, fracking is a big issue in Colorado. We actually had a couple of cities here where the voters said they wanted to ban or put a pause on fracking in their city limits. They weren’t allowed to do it by the courts. However you feel about fracking, should voters be able to vote?
TRUMP: Well, I’m in favor of fracking, but voters should have a big say in it. Some areas maybe they don’t want to have fracking. And I think if the voters are voting for it, that’s up to them.
RITTIMAN: Should they be able to ban it in their town if they vote for it?
TRUMP: It could be. It could very well be. I’d have to see the specific instance, but it could very well be. But fracking is something that we need. Fracking is something that’s here whether we like it or not, but if a municipality or a state wants to ban fracking, I can understand that.
Should voters be able to vote? Of course they should, and they do. Do voters have a say in electing the state and federal officials who make laws that regulate fracking? Yes, they do.
Do we really expect presidential candidates to be an expert on every single ballot initiative in all 50 states that affect local matters? That’s unrealistic.
We’re not accusing Rittiman of playing gotcha, it was just a poorly worded question that resulted in a vague answer.
Did Trump actually endorse Initiative 78 or 63? He clearly did not, he said he would have to see the specifics of the plan.