President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the Supreme Court’s decision allowing states to count certain mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day makes the SAVE Act “even more important,” arguing the ruling weakens election integrity.
Trump made the remarks after signing executive orders when Townhall reporter Cameron Arcand asked for his reaction to the court’s decision and what it means for the future of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.
“Because of the mail-in ballot ruling — which was a little bit surprising, gives people more time to vote illegally — the SAVE Act is even more important,” Trump said.
“You have to be a citizen of our country, okay, you have to show you’re a citizen of our country, called citizenship,” he continued. “Voter ID by photo, photo voter ID, and no mail-in ballots — unless you’re in the military, disabled, you’re ill, or you’re away even on a vacation. We’re being very open about it. It’s pretty easy, and we’ll have honest elections.”
Trump also criticized the high court’s decision, saying it undermines confidence in elections.
“The ruling, which a lot of people were waiting for, that was a ruling that was — I think it was very detrimental to honest elections,” he said. “But it is what it is.”
The Supreme Court ruled that states may continue counting mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day but arriving afterward, rejecting arguments that the practice violates federal law establishing a national Election Day.
Supporters of the ruling say it protects legally cast ballots that are delayed by the postal system. Critics, including Trump, argue extending ballot receipt deadlines weakens election security and public confidence in the voting process.
The SAVE Act, which Trump highlighted following the ruling, would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Republicans have argued the legislation would help prevent noncitizens from registering to vote, while Democrats have contended it could create additional hurdles for eligible voters who lack readily available citizenship documents.
Watch the clip below:
Trump explains why the SAVE America Act is even MORE crucial after today's SCOTUS ruling:
"Because of the mail-in ballot ruling, which was a little surprising, gives people more time to vote illegally. The SAVE Act is even more important […] The ruling, which a lot of people… pic.twitter.com/HkntyRyEDX
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 29, 2026
