Trump says only 'cheating' explains opposition to SAVE Act, calls out GOP holdouts

Trump backed voter ID, proof of US citizenship, and limits on mail-in ballots, with exceptions for illness, military service, and travel
President Donald Trump said the Supreme Court's ruling underscored the need for Congress to quickly enact uniform federal election standards (Getty Images)
President Donald Trump said the Supreme Court's ruling underscored the need for Congress to quickly enact uniform federal election standards (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump intensified his campaign for the SAVE America Act on Monday, June 29, arguing that a Supreme Court decision involving voting rights has made the legislation "more important than ever."



In a Truth Social post, Trump renewed his call for Congress to approve the bill, asserting that only "cheating" explains opposition to its core election security provisions.

He also singled out five Republican senators he said must support the legislation as the Senate prepares for another round of debate.

Trump renews SAVE Act push

Former President Donald Trump made several verbal gaffes during the Philadelphia MAGA rally (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Trump said every voter should be required to present a photo ID, provide proof of citizenship, and face tighter limits on mail-in voting (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Reacting to the Supreme Court's decision, Trump argued that election safeguards should now become an immediate legislative priority.

He maintained that the ruling highlighted the need for Congress to establish uniform federal election standards ahead of future national contests.

"In light of the tremendous loss in the Supreme Court today concerning Voter's Rights," Trump wrote, the SAVE America Act is "more important than ever to pass."

The president reiterated three provisions he described as essential: mandatory photo identification for all voters, documentary proof of US citizenship before voting, and restrictions on mail-in ballots except in cases involving illness, disability, military deployment or travel.

President targets Senate Republicans

LEXINGTON, KY - NOVEMBER 04: U.S. President Donald Trump stands with Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mc
Trump publicly urged Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, and Mitch McConnell to back the SAVE America Act (Getty Images)

Trump also increased pressure on Senate Republicans who have not publicly committed to supporting the measure.

Naming Sens Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy and Mitch McConnell, the president urged them to vote for the legislation, declaring there could be "no more excuses."

He argued there was "no excuse for a politician, or otherwise, to be against" the bill's requirements and claimed, "There is only one reason to oppose - CHEATING!"

The House of Representatives has already approved the SAVE America Act, but the proposal continues to face an uncertain future in the Senate, where Republican leaders have yet to secure enough votes to move it forward.

Election debate takes center stage

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 19: U.S. President Donald Trump talks to reporters on board Air Force One on February 19, 2026 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Trump is flying to Georgia to visit a steel company and speak on the economy. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
The president accused its critics of enabling election fraud while pressing the Senate to act (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Trump framed the legislation as part of a broader political battle heading into the 2026 midterm elections, arguing that stronger voter verification measures are necessary to protect public confidence in elections.

The president also linked the debate to his recent criticism of what he describes as a growing "Communist Movement" within the Democratic Party, contending that Republicans should unite behind election security reforms before voters head to the polls next year.

Supporters of the SAVE Act argue it would strengthen election integrity by standardizing identification requirements nationwide.

Opponents contend that some provisions could make voting more difficult for eligible citizens and have questioned whether Congress has the authority to impose several of the proposed federal requirements.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Trump is reportedly pursuing a new legal route to revive his trade agenda despite advisers warning of economic and political fallout
25 minutes ago
The Pentagon on Monday confirmed that around 100 US service members were injured in incidents and attacks originating from Iran since July 7
39 minutes ago
Nancy Mace's exit leaves Darline Graham Nordone, Russell Fry, and Ralph Norman competing for Lindsey Graham's Senate seat in South Carolina
8 hours ago
Barack Obama argued debates over citizenship and belonging still shape US politics during a discussion on Reconstruction
9 hours ago
President Donald Trump said he discussed trade, defense, and energy with Prime Minister Andy Burnham during their first leaders' call
10 hours ago
Trump's proclamations argue that Canada discriminates against American autos, alcohol, and cheese relative to other trading partners
10 hours ago
According to the Pentagon's Defense Casualty Analysis System, updated Monday, 427 US service members have been injured since Operation Epic Fury began
13 hours ago
A DOJ spokesperson said the department would not stop investigating leaks of classified information affecting national security
18 hours ago
A day earlier, Darline Graham Nordone signaled she would take a different approach from her brother, Lindsey Graham, in the Senate
19 hours ago
'I am asking all House Republicans to vote yes on the Budget Resolution, which is an important first step towards getting a Budget Bill', Trump wrote
19 hours ago