President Donald Trump criticized the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that supports a Mississippi law permitting mail-in ballots to be counted if they arrive within five days after Election Day.
The case, Watson v. RNC, undermined Trump’s efforts to tighten election regulations, especially since it was decided by judges he himself appointed. This decision received pushback even from a Republican senator he had nominated, who emphasized that he favored legislation requiring ballots to be submitted by Election Day.
Judge Amy Coney Barrett, a Trump appointee, dismissed the Republicans’ arguments, clarifying that as long as Election Day is recognized as the official voting day, laws don’t establish deadlines for when ballots should be received.
In response, Trump took to Truth Social, labeling the ruling a “tremendous loss” for voter rights and calling for Congress to act quickly by passing the SAVE America Act.
The SAVE America Act, championed by Rep. Chip Roy from Texas and Sen. Rick Scott from Florida, seeks to implement nationwide voter ID requirements, which would effectively eliminate no-excuse mail-in voting.
“It’s absolutely crucial that we pass the SAVE America Act,” Trump remarked.
He outlined three essential requirements: voter ID, proof of citizenship, and limiting mail-in ballots to military personnel, the sick, disabled, and those traveling away from their precincts on Election Day.
“I oppose it solely because of fraud,” he asserted, mentioning that the House had passed the Act in three separate parts.
“In this time of a powerful communist movement in our nation—more perilous than events like World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor, or September 11—every Democrat and five Republican senators must vote to rescue our country,” he added.
Fox News Digital tried to reach out to key senators, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Sen. Charles Schumer, as well as the Republicans Trump mentioned.
Sen. Cassidy from Louisiana responded, expressing disbelief that he was cited by Trump since he co-sponsored the SAVE Act. He remarked, “I don’t know which staff member misled you, but I appreciate your attention to this matter,” echoing a familiar Trump phrase.
While Trump and Cassidy have had disagreements, they seem to align on the bill’s content. Nevertheless, Cassidy warned against delaying a currently stalled housing bill until the SAVE Act is passed, arguing that constituents deserve immediate relief from high housing costs.
Thune’s office opted not to comment, but McConnell acknowledged the communication, suggesting he would relay any thoughts from the former majority leader.
Trump tends to generalize all Democrats as opponents, yet one dissenting lawmaker has expressed willingness to support a streamlined version requiring voter ID.
Sen. John Fetterman from Pennsylvania recently stated, “If Republicans want real reform, not just a symbolic vote, and they put forth a clean, standalone bill, I’m all for it.” He urged that the focus should remain on using photo IDs for voting without complicating matters or attacking mail-in voting.
If the Senate passes the SAVE Act, there’s a possibility that some aspects of the Supreme Court’s Watson ruling might be overturned or contested.
Critics have highlighted the issues with California’s vote-counting practices, and calls for the SAVE America Act intensified in the lead-up to the ruling, especially after actor Spencer Pratt lost in a runoff to Socialist Councilman Nitya Raman. Observers also noted how slowly candidates like Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton were declared after a crowded primary.
