President said he would impose voter identification requirements and restrict mail-in voting for U.S. midterm elections regardless of whether Congress approves such changes, escalating a long-running dispute over election rules.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that “There will be Voter I.D. for the Midterm Elections, whether approved by Congress or not!” and called for “No Mail-In Ballots, with exceptions for Military, Disability, Illness, or Travel.” He accused Democrats of opposing voter ID and citizenship requirements in order to “continue to cheat in Elections,” without providing evidence.
Trump said he was preparing what he described as an “irrefutable” legal argument to support his position, but did not outline how such a policy could be enforced without congressional action. Under the U.S. Constitution, states administer elections, while Congress has authority to regulate federal elections. Presidents do not directly control voting rules.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 13, 2026
Trump’s remarks came as the Republican-controlled House of Representatives advanced new election legislation. The chamber voted 218–213 to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections. One Democrat joined Republicans in supporting the bill.
The legislation now heads to the Senate.
Trump’s post also called for citizenship requirements for voters and repeated his opposition to broad use of mail-in ballots. Republicans have argued that tighter rules are needed to protect election integrity, while Democrats say restrictions risk disenfranchising lawful voters.
Several prominent figures echoed Trump’s stance on social media following the House vote. The White House posted that “Only American citizens should decide American elections.”
Only American citizens should decide American elections.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 11, 2026
Elon Musk wrote that “Only two more senators and America gets a new lease on life,” referring to the number of votes needed in the Senate. Senator Mike Lee posted that supporters had reached 48 senators backing the effort, adding “Baby steps to SAVE America.”
Only two more senators and America gets a new lease on life https://t.co/nMoSuDyU3i
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 12, 2026
Courts have upheld some state voter ID laws while striking down others when judges found they placed excessive burdens on certain groups of voters. Requirements vary widely across the country, with some states requiring photo identification and others allowing alternative forms of verification or none at all.
The Senate has not scheduled a vote on the SAVE America Act, and Trump has not specified what mechanism he would use to enforce voter ID and mail-in ballot restrictions if Congress does not act. Any unilateral move is expected to trigger legal challenges from states and voting rights groups.
