Trump Calls US Elections a “Laughingstock,” Demands National Proof of Citizenship Mandate

Escalating his rhetoric ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, President Donald Trump has called for a radical overhaul of the American electoral system, labeling current standards “rigged, stolen, and a laughingstock.” In a series of statements issued on Sunday, February 8, 2026, the President demanded that Congress fast-track the SAVE America Act, which would mandate strict proof-of-citizenship requirements for all voters.

The “SAVE America Act” Proposals

The proposed legislation, backed by congressional Republicans, seeks to nationalize several voting standards that are currently managed by individual states:

• Proof of Citizenship: Prospective voters would be required to produce a U.S. passport or birth certificate in person to register for federal elections.
• Ending Mail-in Ballots: Trump called for an end to universal mail-in voting, insisting that ballots be cast in person except for extreme “emergency cases” or military service.
• National Photo ID: The act would implement a nationwide requirement to present a government-issued photo ID at the polls, specifically excluding student or non-government IDs.
• Voter Roll Purges: The bill would require states to perform monthly “scrubs” of voter lists to remove non-citizens and deceased individuals.

A Clash of Rhetoric and Policy

The President’s demands have sparked a fierce debate over constitutional authority and voter access:

• The “Nationalization” Threat: During a recent podcast appearance, Trump suggested that Republicans should “take over” and “nationalize” the voting process in at least 15 jurisdictions to prevent what he claims is widespread “illegal voting” by immigrants.
• Democratic Response: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has dismissed the act as “Jim Crow 2.0,” arguing that the in-person documentation requirement would disenfranchise millions of eligible citizens, including 69 million women whose current names do not match their birth certificates due to marriage.
• The “Filibuster” Conflict: Conservative senators are currently debating whether to invoke the “nuclear option” to abolish the legislative filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act over Democratic opposition.

The Economic & Legal Stakes

While the Trump administration frames the move as an “election integrity” necessity, legal experts warn that the bill faces significant hurdles. Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution gives states primary control over the “time, place, and manner” of elections. Additionally, civil rights groups note that roughly 21 million Americans (9% of the voting population) lack ready access to the birth certificates or passports required under the new law.

Key Timeline: The Road to the 2026 Midterms