SAVE America Act becomes catch-all for Trump's election demands: Here's what's actually in it
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President Trump gaggles with reporters while aboard Air Force One on Feb. 6 en route to Palm Beach, Florida. Photo: Samuel Corum/Getty Images
With high-stakes midterms approaching, President Trump has called for Republicans to "nationalize" elections, end mail-in ballots and pass the SAVE America Act.
- But that legislation doesn't provide all of Trump's desired changes.
Why it matters: Voting rights groups warn the legislation, which requires proof of citizenship to vote, could erect barriers despite noncitizen voting being illegal and rare.
Catch up quick: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Trump was referencing the legislation when he called last week for Republicans to take over voting.
- "President Trump cares deeply about the safety and security of America's elections, that's why he has urged Congress to pass the SAVE Act and other legislative proposals," spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said.
Yes, but: Trump didn't name the law when he told ex-FBI deputy director Dan Bongino the GOP should "nationalize" elections in 15 places.
- Later, he doubled down, saying states are "agents of the federal government to count the votes. If they can't count the votes legally and honestly, then somebody else should take over."
- On Thursday and Sunday, Trump claimed without evidence that elections are "Rigged" and called for the SAVE America Act's passage.
- He demanded all voters show ID and proof of citizenship, writing, "NO MAIL-IN BALLOTS (EXCEPT FOR ILLNESS, DISABILITY, MILITARY, OR TRAVEL!)."
Reality check: The SAVE America Act doesn't end mail-in voting, which Trump himself has used, nor does it change who counts votes.
The big picture: Trump's legislative push comes as federal actions, including Attorney General Pam Bondi's demands for voter rolls and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's election-related probes, alarm Democrats and voting rights advocates.
What would the SAVE America Act do?
The bill would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Options include:
- A REAL ID-compliant ID showing citizenship;
- a passport;
- a military ID with proof of U.S. birth;
- a government-issued photo ID showing U.S. birth, or other government-issued photo ID with a birth certificate, other proof of U.S. birth or naturalization documents.
Zoom out: It also requires mail-in applicants prove citizenship in person and mandates states ensure only citizens register.
Worth noting: A separate bill, Make Elections Great Again Act, would go even further, prohibiting universal mail voting.
What has the reaction to the bill been?
The House has passed earlier iterations of the SAVE Act — the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act — but those stalled in the Senate.
- The House is set to vote on the legislation this week after it became central to the government funding fight.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters the Senate would vote "at some point," suggesting it could coincide with Homeland Security funding talks.
Friction point: Proponents note voter ID requirements are popular among Americans. Leavitt called it "common sense."
- But critics, like the Campaign Legal Center, say the documentation requirements would burden eligible voters and undermine election officials.
Zoom out: Trump's rhetoric and recent federal actions have left Democrats warning of a power grab ahead of the midterms.
- "It's important that Democrats take this seriously, mobilize and engage in advance of our elections," Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) said on MS NOW's "The Weekend."
Go deeper: Judge blocks Trump order to require proof of citizenship for voting
