Trump shrugs off bipartisan housing bill as ‘a big yawn’ while pushing SAVE America Act

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump has dismissed the bipartisan housing bill as an afterthought, saying the SAVE Act deserves more attention.

The 80-year-old president sent shockwaves through Capitol Hill last week when he canceled the signing of the bipartisan housing legislation, known as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, saying he would not sign it until the SAVE America Act is passed by Congress.

The bill bundles together dozens of measures designed to expand access to housing and make homeownership more attainable.

Its key provisions include a pilot program for small-dollar mortgages under $100,000, changes to environmental review requirements for new construction, and grants to help communities speed up housing development through preapproved building plans.

The legislation would also bar large institutional investors that own more than 350 single-family homes from buying additional properties, while still allowing them to build new homes specifically for the rental market.

Trump calls housing bill ‘so unimportant’

The commander-in-chief was speaking to reporters during a meeting in the Oval Office when he was asked, “What are your plans for the housing bill, Mr President?”

“I don’t know,” Trump replied with a sigh. “I think it’s so unimportant by comparison to the SVE America Act. The SAVE America Act is exactly what it says, it’s saving America from crooked elections.”

Trump veered off course when a reporter pressed him with a straightforward follow-up: "But will you sign that housing bill?"

“It hasn’t been sent to me yet,” Trump answered. “It’s coming, I understand, and then I’ll make, here is what I’d like to sign: much more than a bill that, big deal. It’s a yawn… To me, compared to the SAVE America Act, just about everything is a big yawn.”

As Trump spoke to reporters, a spokesperson for Mike Johnson confirmed that the House speaker personally delivered the housing bill to Trump's desk on Monday afternoon. 

Once Trump receives the bill from Congress, he has 10 days to sign or veto the legislation. If he takes no action within that period, it will automatically become law. However, if Congress adjourns before the 10-day window expires, the bill could be subject to a pocket veto. 

Trump prioritizes SAVE America Act

A source familiar with the matter told CNN that the president is unlikely to sign the bill, though they noted that “he could always have a change of heart.”

Trump has instead set his sights on the SAVE America Act, which would require Americans to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections and present a photo ID when casting a ballot. 

A version of the legislation has already passed the House, but Senate Democrats have blocked it.

Trump has repeatedly called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to abolish or reform the filibuster to pass the bill, but Thune has consistently said there are not enough Republican votes to do so.