'Corrupt as Hell': Trump Rips Mail-In Voting as SAVE Act Debate Begins — But Will the Senate Actually Fight?
51-48 to open debate. Every Democrat voted no. Only Murkowski broke ranks. Now the filibuster question looms.
'Corrupt as Hell': Trump Unloads on Mail-In Voting as SAVE Act Hits the Senate Floor
President Trump didn't mince words Tuesday. Standing next to the Irish Prime Minister during the Shamrock Bowl presentation — of all places — he turned to the cameras and said what every grassroots Republican has been thinking for years:
"We're the only country in the world that does it that way. Corrupt as hell."
He was talking about mail-in ballots. And he wasn't done.
What's in the SAVE America Act
The bill is straightforward — almost insultingly simple, which is exactly why Democrats hate it:
Proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections
Voter ID at the polls
Ban mail-in voting (with limited exceptions)
No men in women's sports
No gender transition procedures on children
Trump put the polling in perspective: the transgender sports ban is at 99% support. The child procedure ban is at 98%. Voter ID? North of 70% across all parties. These aren't controversial positions — they're American consensus. The only people opposing them are the ones who benefit from the status quo.
The Senate Vote
The Senate voted 51-48 Tuesday to open debate on the bill. Every single Democrat voted no. The lone Republican holdout was Lisa Murkowski of Alaska — because of course it was. Thom Tillis of North Carolina didn't vote.
The procedural vote opens the door for debate and amendments, but the real test comes when Majority Leader Thune files for cloture. That requires 60 votes to end debate and force a final vote — meaning Republicans need Democrat help to actually pass it.
Nobody expects Democrats to provide those votes. Which is the point.
The Filibuster Standoff
This is where it gets interesting — and frustrating. Republicans have the votes to pass this bill with a simple majority. They don't have 60. And Thune has repeatedly said he won't force a talking filibuster, which would require Democrats to physically hold the floor and explain to the American people why they oppose voter ID, proof of citizenship, and protecting kids from irreversible medical procedures.
As we reported earlier this week, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows called Thune's approach "disingenuous at best." A talking filibuster doesn't change the rules — it just makes senators do their jobs.
The Democrat Argument
Democrats say existing laws already prevent noncitizens from voting and that ID requirements would "create barriers for eligible voters." Translation: they don't want verification because verification works.
Every other democracy on earth requires ID to vote. India does it with 900 million voters. Mexico does it with a national voter ID card. But somehow, asking Americans to prove they're Americans before they vote in American elections is too much to ask.
What Happens Next
The debate could stretch seven to ten days. Amendments will be offered. Speeches will be given. And then, in all likelihood, the bill dies at the 60-vote threshold — unless Thune decides to actually fight for it.
Trump's position couldn't be clearer: "Who would not have voter ID? Who would not have proof of citizenship? The only people who would want not to have that are people that want to cheat."
He's right. And grassroots Republicans should be asking their senators one simple question: are you going to fight for this, or are you going to let it die on the floor so you can pretend you tried?
Sources
• Fox News: Trump Calls Mail-In Voting Corrupt