US President Donald Trump on 27 June called for sweeping federal election reforms, urging Congress to pass the SAVE America Act — legislation that would mandate photo identification and proof of citizenship for all voters, and sharply restrict mail-in ballots. Trump made the remarks at the Faith & Freedom Coalition's Road to Majority conference in Washington, framing the bill as essential to protecting American elections ahead of the midterms.

What the SAVE America Act Proposes

Under the proposed legislation, every voter would be required to present a photo ID and documentary proof of citizenship before casting a ballot. Mail-in voting would be permitted only in cases of illness, disability, or military deployment or travel. 'We want no mail-in ballots except for illness, disability and military deployment or travel,' Trump said. 'We'll be very judicious.'

Trump argued the reforms were indispensable to electoral integrity. 'And now we have to pass the SAVE America Act to protect our sacred American elections,' he told the audience.

Trump Targets Dissenters — Including a Republican

The President singled out Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska as one of the Republicans standing in the way of the bill. 'We have a few Republicans that are fighting it. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska,' Trump said, urging supporters to call her office directly. 'You should call her and tell her to get on the ball. She has got to vote. It's called the SAVE America Act.'

He also criticised Democrats broadly, accusing them of doing 'a tremendous disservice to this country' by opposing the measure.

California Vote Count in the Crosshairs

Trump renewed his criticism of California's election administration, claiming that ballot counting in the state dragged on for weeks after election day. He referenced Spencer Pratt and Steve Hilton while making his case, alleging — without providing evidence — that the state's process was manipulated. 'You know what's happened? They're cheating,' he said.

Trump said he had contacted a US attorney and asked for an investigation into the matter. 'I called the US attorney, and I said, you have to look into this because Steve Hilton did great,' he said. He contrasted California's timeline with Colombia, claiming the South American country tallied 30 million votes by 9:30 pm on election night with no disputes. 'By 9:30 in the evening, every single vote was counted and there were no complaints,' he said.

Midterms and the 2020 Grievance

Trump framed election reform as the central battleground for the upcoming midterm elections, urging supporters to mobilise. 'Everyone needs to get out and vote in the midterms. We have to win this election. This election is very vital,' he said.

He also returned to longstanding claims about the 2020 presidential election, repeating the assertion that it was 'rigged' — a claim courts and election officials across the US have repeatedly rejected. The election reform remarks were part of a broader address that also covered religion, immigration, national security, the economy, and the 250th anniversary of American independence.