Trump Pushes for Voter ID Linked to DHS Funding
President Donald Trump stated on Monday his intention to connect the SAVE America Act with funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), amidst a deadlock among lawmakers from both parties.
During a roundtable in Memphis, Tennessee, aimed at promoting the Memphis Safety Task Force (MSTF)—a federal initiative established to tackle violent crime in the city—Trump addressed the disarray at airports nationwide, which he attributed to ongoing DHS funding issues.
He emphasized the need for the SAVE America Act, which mandates proof of citizenship for voting. “We need voter ID, and proof of citizenship should be part of the funding,” he articulated. “Let’s unite these objectives and create a substantial, impactful bill.”
“I strongly urge Republicans to pair the SAVE America Act with voter ID, as it pertains to homeland security,” he continued. “It’s crucial to link these two issues, as they really belong together.”
Trump called on Republicans to compel Democrats to include voter ID rules in any legislation aimed at reopening DHS. “My advice to Republicans is clear—don’t agree to any deal unless it features voter ID. Being a citizen is fundamental to voting,” he remarked.
While Republicans push for comprehensive voter ID laws to tighten federal election security, Democrats have pushed back, arguing that such measures could disenfranchise millions.
In the meantime, lengthy security lines are developing at numerous airports across the country, following Congress’s failure to finalize DHS funding. Most federal agencies are functioning well under their budgets, yet DHS has been without a budget for over a month. Thus, TSA personnel have not received payment, leading to heightened waits of up to three hours at major airports.
On Monday, ICE agents were deployed at the airport to assist TSA with managing crowds and operations. “We’re reassigning TSA personnel to roles they’re skilled in,” he stated on a recent interview. “Our objective is to alleviate the strain on TSA and expedite the process, alleviating those long lines.”
