Trump pressures Thune over stalled SAVE Act, sparking GOP leadership rift
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated President Trump’s “patience is running out” with Senate Majority Leader John Thune over the stalled SAVE Act, which would require voter ID and proof of citizenship. Thune pushed back, urging the White House to secure votes themselves amid a 50-50 Senate. The dispute highlights intra-party tensions as the bill faces a 60-vote threshold, with a potential government shutdown looming in September. Trump has tied the bill’s passage to other legislation, causing a broader legislative stalemate.
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Trump Sends Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to Salvage SAVE Act Amid Senate Resistance
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles made a rare appearance on Capitol Hill to urge top Senate Republicans to pass the SAVE America Act, a controversial voter restriction bill that would ban mail-in voting and require proof of identity via birth certificate or passport. The meeting with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and GOP Whip John Barrasso was described as 'candid' but not immediately productive, with Thune stating he would only move the president's agenda when there are enough votes. The intervention follows public pressure from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who warned Trump's patience was 'running out' on the legislation. Wiles also discussed efforts to end the filibuster, a Trump priority repeatedly rebuked by the Senate. With only five business days before the August recess, the bill faces an uphill battle as the caucus reportedly lacks the necessary votes.
Trump Sends Chief of Staff to Salvage SAVE Act as Senate Resistance Grows
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles made a rare appearance on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to pressure top Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader John Thune and Whip John Barrasso, to pass the controversial SAVE America Act before the August recess. The bill, which would ban mail-in voting and require voters to show a birth certificate or passport, faces significant opposition within the GOP caucus. Wiles also discussed efforts to end the filibuster, a Trump priority that the Senate has repeatedly rejected. The visit came after press secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly stated that Trump's patience was 'running out' on the SAVE Act, prompting Thune to bluntly respond that the caucus simply did not have the votes. Sources described the discussions as 'candid' but not immediately productive, with Thune insisting he would move the president's agenda only when there are enough votes. A former Trump adviser noted the president's high stakes in the bill but acknowledged it remains an 'uphill battle.'
Trump Sends Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to Senate to Salvage SAVE Act
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles made a rare visit to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to urge top Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader John Thune and Whip John Barrasso, to pass the controversial SAVE America Act before the August recess. The voter restriction bill, which would ban mail-in voting and require voters to show a birth certificate or passport, faces significant opposition within the GOP caucus. Thune bluntly told Wiles he would only move the president's agenda when there are enough votes. The visit came after press secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly warned that Trump's patience was 'running out' on the issue. Wiles also discussed efforts to end the filibuster, another Trump priority that has been repeatedly rebuffed by the Senate. A former Trump adviser described the effort as an 'uphill battle' despite the president's pressure on Wiles to secure passage.
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Trump and Thune Clash Over Canceling August Recess for SAVE America Act Debate
President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) engaged in a public disagreement on Monday regarding the potential cancellation of the Senate's August recess to debate the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act, which Trump has designated as his top legislative priority. Thune cautioned against dedicating time to a bill that has repeatedly failed to pass the Senate floor, suggesting it would be an unproductive use of legislative time. The clash highlights internal Republican tensions over legislative strategy and priorities, with Trump pushing for aggressive action on voter eligibility reforms while Thune advocates for a more pragmatic approach. The SAVE America Act aims to tighten voter identification requirements, but has faced significant opposition and procedural hurdles in the Senate.
Senate Leader Thune Rejects Trump's Pressure to Pass SAVE Act
Senate Majority Leader John Thune publicly dismissed President Donald Trump's demands to pass the SAVE America Act, stating the bill lacks sufficient support. Thune told reporters that Democrats will not vote for the legislation and that Republicans are not willing to eliminate the legislative filibuster. He revealed that the White House had consulted 20 Republican senators about scrapping the filibuster, with 15 opposing the move. This marks the second time Thune has pushed back against Trump's pressure tactics. Thune is instead pursuing a third budget reconciliation bill containing $10 billion for election-related reforms, though Republicans remain divided on the broader SAVE Act. The article also notes a separate incident where a heckler disrupted a Trump rally in Michigan, calling him a 'pedophile protector,' amid ongoing controversy over Trump's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Senate Leader Thune Rejects Trump's Pressure to Pass SAVE Act
Senate Majority Leader John Thune publicly dismissed President Donald Trump's demands to pass the SAVE America Act, stating the bill lacks sufficient support. Thune told reporters that Democrats will not vote for the legislation and that Republicans are not willing to eliminate the legislative filibuster to force it through. He revealed that the White House had approached 20 Republican senators about scrapping the filibuster, but 15 refused. Thune is instead pursuing a third budget reconciliation bill containing $10 billion for election-related reforms, though Republicans remain divided on the broader bill. This marks the second time Thune has pushed back against Trump's pressure, following a previous exchange with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Senate Leader Thune Rejects Trump's Pressure to Pass SAVE Act
Senate Majority Leader John Thune publicly dismissed President Donald Trump's demands to pass the SAVE America Act, stating the bill lacks sufficient support. Thune told reporters that Democrats will not vote for the legislation and that Republicans are unwilling to eliminate the legislative filibuster to force it through. He revealed that the White House had approached 20 Republican senators about scrapping the filibuster, but 15 refused. This marks the second time Thune has pushed back against White House pressure, following a previous exchange with press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Thune is instead pursuing a third budget reconciliation bill containing $10 billion for election-related reforms, though Republicans remain divided on the broader SAVE Act. The article also covers a separate incident at a Trump rally in Michigan where a heckler shouted 'pedophile protector' at the president, continuing a pattern of such disruptions linked to Trump's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Thune Cool to Trump's Demand to Cancel August Recess for SAVE America Act
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) responded cautiously to President Trump's demand that the Senate cancel its five-week August recess to debate the SAVE America Act. Thune told reporters he is willing to cancel the recess if there is a realistic chance of a successful outcome, but warned against wasting senators' time with unproductive procedural votes. The exchange highlights tension between the White House and Senate Republican leadership over legislative priorities and scheduling. Thune's comments suggest he is not eager to force senators to stay in Washington without a clear path to passing the bill, reflecting broader concerns about legislative efficiency and party unity.
Trump Says Relationship With Thune Is ‘Fine’ After Demanding He Cancel Congressional Vacation
President Donald Trump publicly stated his relationship with Senate Majority Leader John Thune is 'fine' but demanded Thune cancel the August recess until the SAVE America Act, a voter ID law requiring proof of citizenship to register, is passed. Trump attacked Thune on Truth Social, accusing him of weak leadership and suggesting the filibuster be eliminated. The bill is stalled in the Senate, needing 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, a threshold it cannot reach without Democratic support. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump's 'patience is running out' with Thune. Thune pushed back, urging the White House to pressure Republicans who voted against the bill, including Sens. Collins and Murkowski. The article highlights ongoing tensions between Trump and Senate Republicans over legislative strategy and party discipline.
Trump to Senate: Cancel August recess
President Donald Trump is pressuring Senate Majority Leader John Thune to cancel the Senate's August recess and pass the SAVE America Act, a GOP election security bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote and photo ID at polls. Thune has publicly stated the bill lacks the 60 votes needed to advance, with Democrats and some Republicans like Sen. Lisa Murkowski opposing it. Trump also urged ending the filibuster, but Thune confirmed Senate Republicans will not eliminate it, citing 15 GOP 'noes.' A group of Republican senators, including Mike Lee and Rick Scott, have objected to recess without passing SAVE, but adjournment requires only a simple majority, and leaders from both parties want to campaign ahead of midterms 99 days away.
Trump to Senate: Cancel August recess
President Donald Trump is pressuring Senate Majority Leader John Thune to cancel the Senate's August recess and pass the SAVE America Act, a GOP bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote and photo ID at polls. Thune has publicly stated the bill lacks the 60 votes needed to advance, with Democrats and some Republicans like Sen. Lisa Murkowski opposing it. Trump urged ending the filibuster to pass the bill, but Thune confirmed Senate Republicans will not eliminate the legislative filibuster, citing 15 GOP 'noes.' Senators Mike Lee and Rick Scott have objected to the recess, demanding a vote on SAVE first. However, recess requires only a simple majority, and leaders from both parties are eager to campaign ahead of midterms 99 days away. Thune remains skeptical of a path to victory, asking Trump to show how the impasse ends.
Trump's Verbal Slip on SAVE Act and CPSC Medical Records Controversy
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune to pass a 'full and deep throated SAVE AMERICA ACT,' an apparent verbal slip mixing 'full-throated' with a sexual innuendo or Watergate reference. The SAVE Act would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and specific photo ID, potentially disenfranchising married women, Native Americans, and name-changers, while restricting mail-in voting. Thune says he lacks votes to pass the bill, as Republicans remain divided over a $10 billion election reform package. Separately, the Trump administration is pressuring hospitals to turn over personally identifiable medical records to the Consumer Product Safety Commission via contractor Konza Health, raising privacy and legal concerns from health law experts.
Trump's 'Deep Throated' SAVE Act Post Sparks Controversy
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune to pass a 'full and deep throated SAVE AMERICA ACT,' an apparent malapropism of 'full-throated' that drew criticism for unintentional sexual innuendo. The SAVE Act would require proof of citizenship for voter registration and specific photo ID for voting, which critics say would disenfranchise married women, Native Americans, and name-changers, while restricting mail-in voting. Thune has stated he lacks the votes to pass the bill and is instead pursuing a third budget reconciliation bill with $10 billion for election reforms, but Republicans remain divided. The article also covers a separate CPSC effort to collect hospital medical records, raising privacy concerns.
Trump Attacks Thune Over Stalled Voter ID Law, Urges Canceling Senate Recess
President Donald Trump publicly rebuked Senate Majority Leader John Thune on Monday, demanding he not allow the Senate to break for its August recess until the Save America Act, a voter ID law requiring documentary proof of citizenship to register, is passed. Trump also renewed his call to eliminate the filibuster, which requires 60 votes to overcome. The bill is stalled because it lacks the necessary Democratic support to break the filibuster. Trump's post on Truth Social accused Thune of incompetence, stating Democrats 'got lucky' with Senate leadership. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump's patience is running out. In response, Thune deflected blame to Democrats and urged the White House to pressure Republican holdouts like Sens. Collins and Murkowski. Sen. Mike Lee has pushed for a roll call vote to cancel recess, which is scheduled from Aug. 7 to Sept. 14.
Trump urges Thune to keep Senate in session until SAVE America Act passes or filibuster eliminated
President Donald Trump on Monday called on Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to keep the Senate in continuous session until it passes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act or eliminates the legislative filibuster. Trump's demand, made publicly, pressures Republican leadership to prioritize the voting rights bill, which aims to tighten voter eligibility requirements. The move reflects Trump's ongoing focus on election integrity issues and his willingness to challenge Senate procedural norms. The SAVE America Act has been a key legislative priority for Trump and his allies, but faces uncertain prospects in the closely divided Senate. Thune has not yet publicly responded to the request.
Tensions rise between GOP leader Thune, White House over stalled Trump agenda
Tensions are escalating between Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and President Trump as the Senate GOP fails to advance key legislative priorities during Trump's second term. The stalled items include the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act and emergency funding for the Pentagon. At a rally in Marietta, Georgia, on Wednesday, Trump expressed frustration with the Senate's inaction, highlighting a growing rift between the White House and Republican leadership in Congress.
Trump Urges GOP to Pass SAVE Act as Polls Show Republican Decline
Donald Trump publicly berated Senate Majority Leader John Thune during a rally on Wednesday, demanding he force GOP holdouts to pass the SAVE Act, a voter suppression bill. Trump is pushing for rapid passage before the midterm elections, believing the GOP can use the legislation to offset expected losses. The House is simultaneously passing funding to incentivize states to adopt the act's provisions, with Senate Republicans aiming to pass it via reconciliation. Thune has stated the votes are not there, but Trump and the White House are escalating pressure. This push comes as a Fox News poll shows Republicans trailing Democrats by seven points in the House ballot matchup and falling behind on economic issues. The article includes analysis from voting rights reporter Ari Berman on how Trump's plan could work and the obstacles it faces.
Trump Urges GOP to Pass SAVE Act as Fox News Poll Shows Midterm Losses Looming
Donald Trump publicly berated Senate Majority Leader John Thune during a rally on Wednesday, demanding he force GOP holdouts to pass the SAVE Act, a voter suppression bill. Trump argued the legislation is needed to rig the midterm elections as time runs short. The House is simultaneously passing funding to incentivize states to adopt the act's provisions, with Senate Republicans aiming to pass it via reconciliation. Thune has stated the votes are not there, but Trump and the White House are escalating pressure. This push comes as a Fox News poll reveals Republicans trailing Democrats by seven points in the House ballot matchup and falling behind on economic issues. The article includes an interview with voting rights reporter Ari Berman, who explains the mechanics of Trump's plot, obstacles, and potential next steps.
Senate Leader Thune Rebukes White House Over SAVE Act Stalemate
Senate Majority Leader John Thune sharply rebuked White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt after she stated President Trump's patience was running out over the stalled SAVE America Act. Thune challenged the White House to secure the necessary votes themselves, noting Republicans hold only 50 seats and blaming Democrats for blocking the bill. The SAVE Act, a voter restriction bill requiring passport or birth certificate for registration and banning mail-in voting, has sparked nationwide backlash. Trump has made its passage a condition for supporting any other legislation, causing a stalemate that has delayed funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the National Defense Authorization Act, and a bipartisan housing bill. The House passed a budget blueprint including parts of the bill by a narrow 216-214 vote, while the Senate faces an August 7 recess deadline.
Senate Leader Thune Rebukes White House Over Stalled SAVE Act Vote
Senate Majority Leader John Thune sharply rebuked White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt after she stated President Trump's patience was running out over the stalled SAVE America Act. Thune challenged the White House to secure the necessary votes themselves, noting the Senate is evenly split at 50-50 and blaming Democrats for blocking the bill. The SAVE Act, which would require voters to present a passport or birth certificate to register, impose photo ID requirements, and ban mail-in voting, has faced widespread criticism for potentially disenfranchising millions. Trump has made the bill's passage a condition for supporting any other legislation, causing a stalemate that has delayed funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the National Defense Authorization Act, and a bipartisan housing bill. The House narrowly passed a budget blueprint including parts of the SAVE Act, but the Senate faces an August 7 recess deadline.