Trump: No shutdown deal until Democrats support SAVE America Act

The Hill
by Ashleigh Fields
March 23, 2026
3 min read

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President Trump said he will not end the government shutdown unless Democrats pass the SAVE America Act on voter eligibility verification.

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President Trump said Sunday he will not negotiate an end to the partial government shutdown unless Democrats vote with Republicans to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act. The SAVE America Act, as described by its supporters, is legislation aimed at voter eligibility verification. Trump's linkage of shutdown negotiations to passage of the voter eligibility bill sets a stark condition that Democrats would need to meet to resolve the funding impasse. The move signals the Trump administration intends to use shutdown leverage to advance its legislative priorities beyond traditional spending disputes. Democrats have not indicated willingness to back the measure, suggesting prolonged negotiations ahead.

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