US President Donald Trump on Friday warned he could bypass Congress to enforce new nationwide voting laws ahead of the November midterm elections, as Republicans face the risk of losing control of the legislature.
Trump said he would issue an executive order mandating voter identification and other electoral reforms if lawmakers fail to pass the proposed legislation. Any such move would likely face immediate legal challenges and could ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court of the United States.
“There will be Voter I.D. for the Midterm Elections, whether approved by Congress or not!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He added that if Congress does not act, he would outline what he described as legal grounds to implement the changes through executive authority.
Although many US states require photo identification to vote, others do not. Trump and several Republicans have repeatedly claimed—without evidence—that areas without strict ID requirements are vulnerable to widespread voter fraud.
The Trump-backed “SAVE America” election reform bill passed the Republican-controlled House of Representatives this week. However, it is expected to stall in the Senate, where Republicans lack the numbers needed to secure Democratic support.
Beyond mandating photo ID at polling stations, the bill would also require proof of citizenship for voter registration. Critics argue the measures could disenfranchise millions of Americans who do not possess passports or certified birth certificates.
A study by the Brennan Center for Justice estimates that more than 21 million Americans lack easy access to such documentation, warning that stricter requirements could disproportionately affect young voters and minority communities.
Trump’s proposal also raises constitutional questions, as the US Constitution grants states broad authority over election administration. It remains unclear how a federal executive order could override state-level voting laws.
The 79-year-old Republican reiterated his long-standing claims of election fraud—assertions widely debunked following his 2020 loss to Joe Biden.
Polls suggest Republicans face a significant challenge in maintaining their slim congressional majority in the upcoming midterms. A Democratic takeover could stall Trump’s legislative agenda and potentially trigger impeachment efforts.
