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“Damn good thing”: Trump encourages senators pass SAVE America act “for Jesus”

The president pitched the voter ID bill as a higher calling before wondering if he would win in a fight with Elvis

Nights and Weekends Editor

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In his second term, President Donald Trump is openly profiteering from the presidency (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
In his second term, President Donald Trump is openly profiteering from the presidency (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Donald Trump is taking a new tack in pressuring Republican senators to pass the controversial SAVE America act.

Ahead of Congress’ planned Easter recess., Trump asked GOP lawmakers to force a vote on the voter identification law “for Jesus.”

“Don’t worry about Easter – going home. In fact, make this one for Jesus, okay? Make this one for Jesus, that’s what I tell them,” he said at an event in Memphis, Tennessee on Monday. “It would be a damn good thing.”

The act would require voters to register to vote in federal elections in person with proof of citizenship,  such as a passport or birth certificate. Voters would also be required to show a photo ID to vote in person in federal elections. Under the law, mail-in ballots would need to include a photocopy of suitable identification. The bill has passed the House and debate on the legislation was opened in the Senate earlier this month.

Though Republicans hold a narrow majority in the Senate, Democrats hold the cards on the SAVE America Act. Closing debate on a bill requires 60 votes. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., is opposed to revoking the cloture rule and thereby killing the Senate filibuster. Democrats are unlikely to budge.

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After giving marching orders to Senate Republicans, Trump wrapped his day with a visit to Graceland, the palatial former home of Elvis Presley. The 79-year-old president asked a curator if he could “have taken Elvis in a fight.”

“I think he would have been respectful enough to let you win,” they said.


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