President Donald Trump told reporters Tuesday that he plans to pardon women’s suffrage movement leader Susan B. Anthony, who was arrested for illegally voting in 1872, before women were allowed to vote in the U.S.
The president said he will be “signing a full and complete pardon for Susan B. Anthony” at an event later Tuesday.
“She was never pardoned,” Trump said. “What took so long?”
Anthony’s arrest for voting in her hometown of Rochester, New York, and the subsequent trial brought national attention to the suffrage movement. In 1873, an all-male jury found her guilty of illegally voting and fined her $100, which she protested, according to The New York Times.
Anthony died in 1906, 14 years before women were allowed to vote in America, according to NPR. The 19th Amendment states that “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”
The president announced plans to pardon Anthony at an event Tuesday morning marking the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which ensured women the right to vote. It’s also known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment. Last week, Trump also voiced support for a bill that would pay tribute to suffragists and the 19th Amendment, according to USA Today.
Trump’s actions come as support for his campaign has been eroding among suburban white women in battleground states, in part because of his harsh rhetoric.
In recent weeks Trump has recognized he needs to work to undo some of the damage among the pivotal constituency and has stepped up his events aimed at women. His campaign has launched a “women for Trump” bus tour and the president has embraced a “law and order” message with renewed vigor.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Check back for updates to this developing story.
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