Karoline Leavitt says Trump backs SAVE Act, urges Congress to be 'politically wise' and approve it

Karoline Leavitt called the SAVE Act a 'common-sense' law to prevent election fraud while allowing accommodations for those who cannot vote in person
PUBLISHED FEB 11, 2026
Karoline Leavitt emphasized that President Donald Trump wants both House Republicans and, if politically sensible, Democrats to pass the bill and send it to his desk to be signed into law (Getty Images)
Karoline Leavitt emphasized that President Donald Trump wants both House Republicans and, if politically sensible, Democrats to pass the bill and send it to his desk to be signed into law (Getty Images)


WASHINGTON DC: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that President Donald Trump supports the SAVE America Act and is urging Congress to pass it promptly.

She explained that the legislation would require documentary proof of US citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, for federal voter registration, with exemptions for military personnel and disabled Americans living abroad.

Karoline Leavitt says Trump is ‘strongest supporter’ of SAVE America Act

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 10: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a news briefing in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on February 10, 2026 in Washington, DC. Leavitt spoke to reporters on a range of topics as a possible government shutdown looms over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a news briefing in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on February 10, 2026 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

During a February 10 press conference, Karoline Leavitt called President Trump one of the strongest supporters of the SAVE America Act. She said, “I can obviously speak for the president, who is possibly the strongest supporter of the SAVE America Act.”

Leavitt outlined the proposed voter registration requirements, saying, “It would require proof of citizenship. To register to vote, it would require photo identification before casting a ballot, and it would also ensure that there are exceptions made.”

She added that the exceptions would cover military personnel and individuals with disabilities who cannot make it to the polls. “I think that's what you're alluding to with these conversations with House Republicans conversations with House Republicans for reasonable requests, of course, for our military For individuals who are disabled and cannot make it to the polls, those are reasonable common sense."

Leavitt also noted that House Republicans are currently debating the details internally. She concluded, “But as for the president, he's been very clear. He wants house Republicans and Democrats, too, if they were politically wise to pass this legislation for the Senate to pass it to send it to the president's desk, so it can be signed into law.”

Trump’s ‘nationalize voting’ remark refers to SAVE Act, says Karoline Leavitt



This was not the first time Karoline Leavitt spoke about the SAVE Act. On Tuesday, February 3, she said President Trump mentioned the bill when talking about “nationalizing voting.”

When a reporter asked what he meant by that, Leavitt explained that Trump was referring to the SAVE Act, which she called a “common-sense” law supported by Republicans.

Leavitt said Trump had discussed the bill with House Speaker Mike Johnson and highlighted its focus on requiring voters to show ID before casting a ballot. She added, “I don’t think any rational person who’s being honest with themselves would disagree with the idea of requiring citizens of this country to present an ID before casting a ballot in a federal election, or frankly, in any election."

Donald Trump gaggles with reporters while aboard Air Force One on February 6, 2026 en route to Palm Beach, Florida. The President is spending the weekend at Mar-a-Lago, his private club. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
Donald Trump gaggles with reporters while aboard Air Force One on February 6, 2026 en route to Palm Beach, Florida (Samuel Corum/Getty Images) 

When asked if Trump thinks states should run their own elections, Leavitt said he “believes in the US Constitution” but also worries about election fraud and irregularities. She said the SAVE Act’s nationwide voter ID rule is something the president wants in all 50 states.

Leavitt was also asked about Trump’s comments that Republicans should take over elections in 15 states. She said he was referring to states with “high degree of fraud,” like California and New York City, where non-citizens can vote in some local elections, creating what she called a system “ripe with fraud.”

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