Former President Donald Trump on Monday urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) to keep the Senate in session through the upcoming August recess until the SAVE America Act is passed. Trump made the demand in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling for an end to the filibuster for Republicans to expedite the legislation.
The SAVE America Act, formally titled the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, was introduced in the House in 2024 and passed by the House in July 2024. It would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. The bill has not yet been taken up by the Senate.
Trump's call to terminate the filibuster for Republicans would require a change in Senate rules, which typically needs 60 votes. With a narrow Republican majority, such a move faces significant procedural hurdles. Thune has not publicly responded to Trump's demand as of Tuesday.
The August recess is scheduled to begin on August 3, 2026. If the Senate does not pass the bill before then, Trump's demand could set up a clash between the former president and Senate leadership over legislative priorities and procedural norms.
