Donald Trump is taking a new tack in pressuring Republican senators to pass the controversial SAVE America act.
Ahead of Congress’ planned Easter recess., Trump asked GOP lawmakers to force a vote on the voter identification law “for Jesus.”
“Don’t worry about Easter – going home. In fact, make this one for Jesus, okay? Make this one for Jesus, that’s what I tell them,” he said at an event in Memphis, Tennessee on Monday. “It would be a damn good thing.”
Trump: So I’m tying homeland security into voter identifications with picture and proof of citizenship in order to vote. Don’t worry about Easter, going home. Make this one for Jesus, ok? pic.twitter.com/JNAaEQtk6q
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 23, 2026
The act would require voters to register to vote in federal elections in person with proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. Voters would also be required to show a photo ID to vote in person in federal elections. Under the law, mail-in ballots would need to include a photocopy of suitable identification. The bill has passed the House and debate on the legislation was opened in the Senate earlier this month.
Though Republicans hold a narrow majority in the Senate, Democrats hold the cards on the SAVE America Act. Closing debate on a bill requires 60 votes. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., is opposed to revoking the cloture rule and thereby killing the Senate filibuster. Democrats are unlikely to budge.
Start your day with essential news from Salon.Sign up for our free morning newsletter, Crash Course.
After giving marching orders to Senate Republicans, Trump wrapped his day with a visit to Graceland, the palatial former home of Elvis Presley. The 79-year-old president asked a curator if he could “have taken Elvis in a fight.”
“I think he would have been respectful enough to let you win,” they said.
TRUMP: Could I have taken Elvis in a fight?
GRACELAND WORKER: I don’t know? You might. I think he would’ve been respectful enough to let you win pic.twitter.com/rjB4LNm7U5
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 23, 2026
Read more
about this topic