Trump praises India's voter ID system in bid to pass SAVE America Act

US President Donald Trump is stepping up pressure on Congress to pass legislation that would require voters to provide proof of citizenship when registering and show photo identification when voting. Trump cited India's election system as an example of why he believes the SAVE America Act should become law. "Earlier this month, India's Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, asked our Administration — How can you have Elections in the US without a valid Photo ID?" Trump wrote on Truth Social on Monday. "India's last Election had 646,000,000 Voters! Less than 1% voted by mail, and every single Voter had to have a VALID Photo Identity Document. We need to pass THE SAVE AMERICA ACT, now!"  Trump claimed that India’s last election involved 646 million voters, with less than 1% voting by mail, and said every voter was required to present a valid photo identity document.

TRUMP REVEALS INDIA ELECTION CHIEF questioned US VOTING WITHOUT PHOTO ID pic.twitter.com/aT0q2IlbQJ

— RT Intl (@RT_on_X) August 17, 2026

The legislation has already passed the House but faces significant opposition in the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 of the 100 seats. It would need 60 votes to overcome the Senate's legislative filibuster. Democrats have described the bill as "dead on arrival".
The legislation would require people registering to vote in federal elections to provide proof that they are US citizens. It would also require voters to present a valid photo ID before casting their ballots.Trump’s latest remarks also highlight his efforts to draw comparisons between electoral procedures in the US and India.
Federal law already requires voters in national elections to be US citizens, but does not currently require them to provide documentary proof of citizenship when registering. Some US states already require voters to show photo identification at polling stations. The bill would also create a process for people whose names have changed to provide additional documents to verify their identity. Supporters say the measure would strengthen election security, while concerns have been raised about the additional burden on people who changed their names after marriage. Election officials who register voters without obtaining the required proof of citizenship could face criminal penalties under the proposed legislation.