Trump’s Plans for Voter ID Executive Order
Without action from Congress, former President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order to mandate voter identification for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
On Friday, Trump stated through Truth Social that he is committed to establishing a national voter ID requirement, regardless of what happens in Congress. He mentioned, “If it cannot pass Congress, there are legal reasons why this fraud should not be allowed. I will submit it soon in the form of an executive order.” In another message, he added, “Voter ID will be present in the midterm elections, with or without Congressional approval!”
This announcement follows the House’s recent approval of the SAVE America Act on Wednesday. NBC News reported the bill passed narrowly, with a vote of 218-213. All Republicans supported it, and Texas Democrat Rep. Henry Cuellar was the sole Democrat to break ranks. The proposed bill would require proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, when registering to vote in federal elections. Additionally, a photo ID would be needed at polling locations.
The bill is now headed to the Senate, where it stands a good chance of passing. With Republicans holding 53 seats, they still need 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. However, Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska has already expressed her opposition to the measure.
Trump’s threat of an executive order comes despite a federal court’s previous decision to block a similar initiative last year. Judge Colleen Koller Kotelly ruled that the Constitution grants Congress and the states the authority to regulate elections and stated that no legal delegation allows the president to bypass the legislative process through executive action.
Public sentiment appears to lean in Trump’s favor on this issue. A recent Pew Research Center study found that 83% of Americans support requiring a government-issued photo ID to vote starting August 2025. This support spans across party lines, with 95% of Republicans, 71% of Democrats, and 84% of independents backing the requirement.
