"DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin: SAVE America Act is Top Priority — 80% of Americans Want Only Citizens Voting"

 

The X post from the official White House Rapid Response account (

@RapidResponse47

) shares a clip of newly confirmed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) emphasizing the SAVE America Act (also known as the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act) as a top priority. In the video, Mullin states: "There's nothing more important than the SAVE America Act. That's what the American people want. 80% of the population say they want only Americans voting."What the SAVE America Act DoesThe bill (H.R. 22 in the 119th Congress and similar versions) amends the National Voter Registration Act to require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Acceptable documents typically include:

• A U.S. passport
• A birth certificate (often paired with photo ID)
• Certain military records
• A REAL ID-compliant ID that explicitly indicates citizenship (most standard driver's licenses do not)

It also includes a nationwide photo ID requirement at the polls in many versions and directs states to use DHS systems to verify citizenship on voter rolls. States must establish alternative processes for those without standard documents, but critics argue these are cumbersome. The bill applies to new registrations and updates (e.g., after moving or changing names). Currently, federal law already prohibits non-citizens from voting in federal elections, but registration generally relies on self-attestation under penalty of perjury—no hard documentary proof is required in most states.Public OpinionPolls consistently show strong support for requiring proof of citizenship to register and photo ID to vote:

• Gallup (2024): 83% favor proof of citizenship for first-time registrants; 84% favor photo ID.
• Recent 2026 polls (YouGov/Economist, Harvard-Harris, etc.): 59–80%+ support citizenship verification, with even higher numbers (often 70–85%) for photo ID. Republicans overwhelmingly back it; Democrats are more divided (majority opposition in some surveys on the full bill, but notable crossover support on core ideas).
• Around 80–85% of Americans agree only citizens should vote.

Supporters, including Mullin and the Trump administration, frame it as basic election integrity to prevent even rare non-citizen voting.Criticisms and ConcernsOpponents (including Democrats, the Brennan Center, NAACP LDF, and voting rights groups) call it voter suppression. Key arguments:

• Millions of eligible U.S. citizens (estimates range from 9–21+ million) lack ready access to passports or birth certificates—especially married women (name changes), young voters, low-income people, elderly, and minorities.
• It would disrupt mail/online/DMV registration (proof often must be provided in person).
• Some versions add strict photo ID rules more restrictive than most state laws.
• Non-citizen voting is already illegal and extremely rare according to election officials and studies; the bill is seen as solving a "non-problem" while creating new barriers.
• Potential for disenfranchising active voters who move or update registrations.

The House has passed versions of the bill (with limited Democratic support), but it faces a likely filibuster in the Senate. Some replies to the post demand immediate passage without compromise or recess, while critics in replies label it suppression or question Mullin's statements.Overall, the post reflects the "America First" push for stricter federal election rules under the new administration. The debate centers on balancing election security against access—two goals most Americans support in principle, but differ sharply on implementation. The bill remains a flashpoint in ongoing Senate discussions.

.@SecMullinDHS: "There's nothing more important than the SAVE America Act. That's what the American people want. 80% of the population say they want only Americans voting." pic.twitter.com/F9CZRBV4Wr

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 24, 2026