White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s push for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, commonly known as the SAVE Act, during a press briefing at the White House, emphasizing that the proposed legislation is designed to strengthen election integrity while maintaining access to the ballot for eligible American voters. Leavitt, who serves as the youngest press secretary in U.S. history, addressed questions about the legislation and responded to criticism circulating about its potential impact on certain groups of voters, including married women who have changed their names.
The legislation has been championed by President Donald Trump, who is urging Congress to pass the measure as part of a broader effort to reform federal election procedures. According to Leavitt, the administration views the bill as “one of the most critical pieces of legislation in our nation’s history,” outlining what she described as a set of straightforward requirements aimed at verifying voter eligibility and standardizing safeguards in federal elections.
President Trump is urging Congress to pass the SAVE America Act – one of the most critical pieces of legislation in recent history.⁰
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) March 10, 2026
The SAVE America Act is overwhelmingly popular with all Americans because each provision is rooted in common sense.
The SAVE America Act has five… pic.twitter.com/AifAaXKJQr
During the briefing, Leavitt explained that the proposal would require voters to present identification when casting a ballot and would also require proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. She said the measure reflects public opinion, noting that “voters have to show ID to cast a ballot in an American election. Very simple. 90% of Americans, including more than 80% of Democrat voters, agree with this.” She also argued that requiring documentary proof of citizenship during voter registration ensures that “only American citizens have the right to vote in American elections.”
Leavitt also described additional provisions in the legislation. The proposal would end universal mail-in ballots while preserving exceptions for voters who need absentee ballots due to illness, disability, military service, or travel. “Absentee ballots remain the largest source of potential voter fraud.” The administration has argued that reforming mail-in voting practices would reduce vulnerabilities while maintaining access for voters who rely on absentee voting.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: “Let me be very clear: the SAVE America Act does not prohibit anyone from voting, with the exception of illegal aliens.”
— America (@america) March 10, 2026
pic.twitter.com/z1bUuKLXxw
A central focus of the briefing came when a reporter asked about claims made by some Democratic lawmakers and commentators that the SAVE Act could make it more difficult for married women who have changed their names to vote. Leavitt rejected those assertions and characterized them as misinformation. “There is zero validity to these claims,” she said, adding that “the SAVE America Act does not prohibit anyone from voting with the exception of illegal aliens.” She continued by arguing that the greater threat to voter participation would be allowing non-citizens to vote, stating, “The greatest way to disenfranchise American citizens from voting in American elections is to allow illegal aliens to vote.”
Leavitt also addressed the specific concern involving married women whose legal names may differ from documents used during voter registration. According to the press secretary, voters who are already registered would not be affected by the legislation. “As far as married women who have changed their name, if they’re already registered to vote, they’re entirely unaffected by the SAVE Act,” she said, adding that individuals who change their name or address can update their records through existing state procedures.
The SAVE Act, introduced in the House of Representatives in January 2025, would require individuals to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. The proposal directs states to verify voter eligibility, remove non-citizens from voter rolls, and establish procedures for applicants to demonstrate citizenship through approved documentation. If enacted, the legislation would also create penalties for election officials who register voters in federal elections without the required proof of citizenship.