Trump Urges Republicans to Pass SAVE Act Ahead of Midterms
Trump described the bill as essential for election integrity, stating, "It'll guarantee the midterms. If you don't get it, big trouble, my opinion."
DORAL, Fla. – President Trump urged House Republicans Saturday at his Doral golf club in Miami to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, warning of "big trouble" if not enacted before the 2026 midterms, while reiterating his refusal to sign other legislation until it advances.
Trump described the bill as essential for election integrity, stating, "It'll guarantee the midterms. If you don't get it, big trouble, my opinion." He emphasized a non-watered-down version requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, photo ID for voting, and restrictions on mail-in ballots. "I'm not going to sign anything until this is approved. If it takes you six months, I'm for not approving anything," he added.
The remarks echo his March 8 Truth Social post, where he vowed not to sign other bills until Congress passes the SAVE Act, specifying: "GO FOR THE GOLD: MUST SHOW VOTER I.D. & PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP: NO MAIL-IN BALLOTS EXCEPT FOR MILITARY – ILLNESS, DISABILITY…"
First proposed in 2024 amid claims of illegal voting, the House passed the Act in February 2026, but it requires revisions, including bans on transgender women in women's sports and transgender surgery for children, to facilitate passage. It awaits Senate action, needing 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, with Republicans holding a 53-47 majority.
Democrats and advocates argue it suppresses votes, noting noncitizen voting is rare and illegal. The push underscores Trump's focus on election security as midterms approach.