U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters over the North Atlantic as he returns to Washington from the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, aboard Air Force One, U.S., January 22, 2026. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
(Washington, DC) – Former President Donald Trump has renewed calls for Congress to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, or SAVE Act, after amplifying claims of voter fraud in Nevada. Trump has alleged that non-citizens, deceased individuals, and out-of-state residents illegally voted, arguing the bill is needed to protect election integrity.
The SAVE Act would significantly change voter registration nationwide by requiring in-person proof of U.S. citizenship to register or update voter information. Acceptable documents would include a U.S. passport or birth certificate, while driver’s licenses – including REAL IDs – and military or tribal IDs would not qualify. The proposal would also eliminate online and mail-in voter registration and effectively end voter registration drives.
Supporters say the bill would ensure only U.S. citizens vote in federal elections. Critics, including the Center for American Progress, warn it could disenfranchise millions, noting that roughly 146 million Americans lack a valid passport. Women who changed their last name after marriage and lower-income voters could face additional barriers under the law.
Trump has urged Republicans to act before the 2026 midterms, even suggesting a possible rebrand of the legislation. GOP lawmakers such as Mike Lee and Byron Donalds have backed the bill, while Democrats argue it would suppress lawful voters by imposing unnecessary hurdles to registration.
