Trump Presses Senate Republicans for Action on Voter ID Bill

Key Facts

Published: July 23, 2026 Location: Washington D.C. Source: White House press briefing, President Donald Trump remarks, Senate Majority Leader John Thune statements

• Trump wants major portions of the SAVE America Act passed before the Senate’s August recess.
• The legislation would require proof of citizenship to register and photo identification to vote.
• Senate Republicans remain divided over whether to use reconciliation or alter filibuster rules.
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White House says president’s patience is wearing thin as election integrity measure remains stalled

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on Senate Republicans to advance legislation requiring voters to show photo identification and provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that Trump’s “patience is running out” as the SAVE America Act remains stalled in the Senate.

“He wants to see as much of the SAVE America Act passed as possible by the August recess,” Leavitt said. “The House did its job, the Senate needs to do its job, too.”

The House has repeatedly advanced election integrity provisions, but the measures have faced resistance from Senate Democrats and some Republicans.

Leavitt specifically criticized Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., prompting the senator to urge the White House to help secure the necessary votes.

“Maybe she or somebody else ought to get on the phone and get the votes,” Thune said, arguing that Democrats remain the primary obstacle to passage.

The renewed debate follows New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s disclosure that roughly 6,600 noncitizens were mistakenly allowed to register to vote because of a state software error. Officials said fewer than 400 cast ballots between June 2023 and June 2024.

The Department of Homeland Security has since directed states to report ineligible voters and remove them from voter rolls.

Trump has backed several strategies to advance the SAVE America Act, including changing Senate filibuster rules or using the budget reconciliation process, which would allow Republicans to bypass Democratic opposition.

However, Senate leaders say they currently lack the 50 votes needed to approve the required budget resolution. Even under reconciliation, final legislation is unlikely to be ready before September.

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