Trump ridicules Dems over SAVE America Act: ‘They probably won’t win an election for 50 years’

DORAL, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump on Monday, March 9, emphasized Democratic opposition to the SAVE America Act while delivering an address to Republican members at the GOP’s annual issues conference.

During his remarks, Trump pushed for passage of the GOP voting requirements bill, arguing that enacting it would determine future election outcomes. He also reiterated that he would not sign any other legislation until the bill is approved.

Trump pushes for SAVE America Act ahead of midterms

Trump urged House Republicans to advance the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, emphasizing that passing the legislation would secure electoral victories for Republicans. Addressing lawmakers, he said, “It will guarantee the midterms. If you don’t get it, big trouble.”

Trump told Republican members that the public strongly supports the measure. “The people are demanding it. Every time I go out, save America! Save America! We want the SAVE America Act! That’s all they talk about. They don’t talk about housing. They don’t talk about anything. That’s what they talk about,” he said.

He also claimed that the bill would benefit Republicans in future elections. “And if you send it up there, you will win the midterms and you will win every election for a long time,” Trump added.

Trump ridiculed the Democratic opposition to the legislation and claimed that support for voter identification requirements is extensive. “You had to see some of this stuff is so bad. They’re doing everything possible because they know if we get this, they probably won’t win an election for 50 years, okay? And maybe longer and they’re going to fight like hell,” he said.

He also cited polling numbers in his remarks. “Even the Democrats, you saw the numbers today, Democrats voted 86 per cent that this stuff should be passed. The Democrats with Republicans, you’re at 98 per cent. But Democrats are at 86. Except for the people that run the Democrat party because they want to try and win elections illegally,” Trump said.

Trump further stated, “It’s the only reason you vote against voter ID is because you want to cheat. There’s no other reason.”

SAVE America Act and Democratic opposition

The SAVE America Act would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in elections and the presentation of ID to cast a ballot. The measure passed the House in February by a 218–213 vote but has stalled in the Senate.

Democrats argue the legislation would create new barriers to voting, and the bill would need support from at least some Senate Democrats to overcome a filibuster. Trump also called for lawmakers to draft a new version of the bill with additional provisions, suggesting, “no mail-in-ballots except for illness, disability, military or travel."

He added, “If you could, if I could ask the people in this room, to go for the gold. We are going for the gold,” Trump said. “We’re not going for the bronze. We’re not going to sign a watered-down version like it’s been sent up there.”

Trump also reiterated this position in a Truth Social post over the weekend, stating that he “will not sign other Bills until this is passed.” Responding to the comments, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X that the legislation would disenfranchise voters.

Schumer said, “The SAVE Act is Jim Crow 2.0. It would disenfranchise tens of millions of people.” He added that Senate Democrats would oppose the bill, “If Trump is saying he won’t sign any bills until the SAVE Act is passed, then so be it: there will be total gridlock in the Senate. Senate Democrats will not help pass the SAVE Act under any circumstances.”