Trump Demands Republican Support for SAVE America Act to Overhaul 'Rigged' US Elections
In a fiery social media post, former US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on the American electoral system, labeling it as "rigged, stolen, and a laughingstock all over the world." Trump's comments, made on Truth Social, came as he called on all Republicans to rally behind the proposed SAVE America Act, a legislative measure aimed at tightening voting requirements.
Trump's Direct Appeal to Republicans
Trump's post outlined three key demands that form the core of the SAVE America Act:
- All voters must show voter identification at polling stations.
- All voters must provide proof of United States citizenship when registering to vote.
- Mail-in ballots should be restricted, with exceptions only for illness, disability, military service, or travel.
Trump emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We are either going to fix them, or we won't have a Country any longer." This rhetoric underscores his ongoing claims of election fraud, which have been a central theme since the 2020 presidential race.
Political Support and Opposition
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise expressed strong support for the bill, citing polling data that shows over 70% approval across demographic groups. "Americans recognize the sanctity of the vote is at risk," Scalise remarked in an interview with Fox News. He confirmed that the House is set to vote on the SAVE America Act next week, ahead of Trump's scheduled State of the Union address.
White House Press Secretary also noted that Trump has urged Congress to pass the act, highlighting its provisions to remove non-citizens from voter rolls and enforce stricter registration checks. However, the bill faces significant opposition from Democrats. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has declared that Democrats will vote against any legislation containing the SAVE Act measures, framing it as an unnecessary barrier to voting.
What Does the SAVE America Act Propose?
According to analyses from the Bipartisan Policy Center, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act mandates that voters submit documentary proof of citizenship during registration for federal elections. While both major parties agree that only eligible citizens should vote, the act introduces new documentation requirements to enforce existing laws.
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections. The SAVE Act seeks to strengthen this by amending the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, requiring prospective voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship upfront. Proponents argue this will prevent rare cases of noncitizen registration, though critics contend it could disenfranchise eligible voters.
Broader Implications and Security Concerns
The debate over the SAVE America Act occurs amid ongoing discussions about election security. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence retains statutory responsibility for counterintelligence matters related to elections, adding a layer of complexity to the legislative push. As Trump and his allies frame the act as essential for preserving democracy, opponents warn it could undermine voting access and fuel further political polarization.
With the House vote imminent, the SAVE America Act represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing national conversation about election integrity, citizenship, and the future of American democracy.
