Donald Trump on Friday morning weighed in on Kentucky clerk Kim Davis, who has been jailed for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, arguing that while the Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage should be followed, clerks who object should be able to opt out.
“The decision came down from the Supreme Court,” Trump said when asked about Davis on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “So I’m a believer in both sides of the picture.”
“The simple answer is let her clerks do it,” he continued. “From what I understand, she’s not letting her clerks do it either.”
Trump said that it is “a very, very sticky situation,” and that Davis should either be allowed to opt out of issuing same-sex marriage licenses, or gay couples should have to travel to a clerk nearby for a license.
“I hate to see her be put in jail,” Trump said.
“Morning Joe” co-host Joe Scarborough jumped in to ask Trump if the Supreme Court ruling is the law of the land.
“You have to go with it,” Trump responded. “The decision has been made and that is the law of the land.”
But he again reiterated that Davis should be able to “take a pass.”
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) gave a similar response when asked about Davis on Thursday. He told reporters that Davis “is sworn to uphold the law,” but suggested that clerks be able to opt out of certain duties.
