Karoline Leavitt says Trump referred to SAVE Act when calling to ‘nationalize voting’

WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Tuesday, February 3, that President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about “nationalize voting” in US elections were being misinterpreted, clarifying that he was referring to a Republican-backed bill rather than calling for a federal takeover of voting.

Her comments followed renewed remarks by Trump alleging fraud in the 2020 election and came less than a week after the FBI raided an elections office outside Atlanta, where ballots and other voting records from the 2020 contest were seized.

Clarification from Karoline Leavitt on Trump’s ‘nationalize voting’ comment

When asked outside the White House what Trump meant by saying Republicans ought to “nationalize” voting, Leavitt responded that the president was referring to the SAVE Act, which she described as a “huge common-sense” piece of legislation supported by Republicans.

Leavitt explained that Trump had discussed the bill with House Speaker Mike Johnson and emphasized its focus on common-sense voting measures such as requiring voters to present identification before casting a ballot.

She said, "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."

Pressed further on whether Trump believed states should oversee elections, Leavitt reiterated that he “believes in the United States Constitution,” but also expressed his view that there has been significant fraud and irregularities in American elections.

She said that the SAVE Act’s nationwide voter-ID requirement is something the president wants to "enact in all 50 states." Leavitt was also asked about Trump’s remarks that Republicans should take over elections in 15 states, she reiterated her explanation that the president was referring to states with what she called a “high degree of fraud.”

She cited examples like California and New York City, saying that non-citizens are allowed to vote in some local elections in those places, creating “an electoral system that is absolutely ripe with fraud.”

Trump renews push for federal oversight of elections 

Trump reiterated his controversial call to “nationalize” elections while repeating claims of widespread voter fraud and continuing to dispute his 2020 loss, "If a state can't run an election, I think the people behind me should do something about it." 

Trump remarks came as he held a bill signing in the Oval Office surrounded by Republican lawmakers. He further said, "Because, you know, if you think about it, the state is an agent for the federal government in elections. I don't know why the federal government doesn't do 'em anyway."

Trump further suggested, "The federal government should get involved. These 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 it over."

After a reporter cited the Constitution’s role in placing elections under state control, Trump responded, “You know what, they can administer the election, but they have to do it honestly.”

He then repeated unfounded claims about the 2020 election, citing Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta while alleging “rigged, crooked elections.” Democrats swiftly criticized the remarks, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer comparing them to those of a dictator.