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Speaking to Crowley, Trump was unyielding: “Absolutely. And I think you should also change your elections to paper ballots. I think you should get a lot of things for that. That’s a big deal.” He added that Republicans should leverage their power to secure these measures. “The Republicans ought to try and get some things for a change—the House and the Senate—they ought to go for getting things. They don’t get anything. They extend everything.”
Trump’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among his supporters that the GOP needs to be more aggressive in using its leverage to achieve policy goals, particularly on issues like border security and election integrity. He also criticized Democrats for their different approach, stating, “The Democrats don’t extend. They don’t extend. They play a different game. They play a much different game.”
Monica Crowley further pressed Trump on the matter, noting that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell reportedly opposes including the SAVE Act in the spending bill. Crowley suggested that McConnell’s stance could lead to illegal voting in massive numbers, potentially harming Trump’s chances in the next election.
In response, Trump did not hold back: “I would shut down the government in a heartbeat if they don’t get it in the bill.” He criticized the Republicans for failing to use their leverage effectively in past negotiations, particularly regarding the Green New Deal and the Inflation Reduction Act, which he claimed were misnamed and mismanaged.
The potential inclusion of the SAVE Act in the spending bill has sparked controversy within the GOP. While hardline conservatives and Trump allies push for its inclusion, moderates and those in swing districts are wary of the political risks, especially with Election Day just five weeks away. A government shutdown could have significant consequences, and the White House has already signaled opposition to the measure.
Carry 46 rounds concealed? (comfortably)
Punchbowl News reported that Speaker Johnson is moving quickly to attach the SAVE Act to the CR, aiming to give himself time to build support for the proposal. However, getting the necessary 218 votes in the House may prove challenging, as not all Republicans are on board with the plan. The report highlighted the difficulty of passing the measure, stating, “There are a lot of House Republicans who just won’t vote for any CR.”
The stakes are high, and Johnson’s decision could have far-reaching implications. On one hand, failing to include the SAVE Act could lead to backlash from Trump’s base, who view the Act as a vital measure for ensuring fair elections. On the other hand, a government shutdown could alienate moderate voters and create significant political fallout for the GOP.
As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear: the battle over the SAVE Act is not just about election integrity. It is about the future direction of the Republican Party and the nation’s approach to governance. Whether Johnson can navigate this political minefield remains to be seen, but the outcome will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on American politics.
