US President Donald Trump strongly criticized the Supreme Court's decision upholding the practice of counting mail-in ballots received up to five days after Election Day in Mississippi.
In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump called the ruling in the Watson v. RNC case a 'big loss for voter rights' and said Congress must immediately pass the SAVE America Act to override the situation.
Barrett rejects Republican arguments
Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, appointed by Trump, rejected the Republican arguments in the case. Barrett wrote that Election Day is the legal date for casting votes and that 'Election Day laws do not set a deadline for receipt of ballots.'
The decision pits Trump against some of his own appointees and dealt a blow to his push for stricter election rules.
Call for SAVE America Act
Trump reiterated his support for the bill, which would impose a nationwide voter ID requirement and essentially ban no-excuse mail-in voting, saying 'It has never been more important to pass the SAVE America Act.'
Trump argued for voter ID, proof of citizenship, and limiting mail-in ballots to soldiers, the sick, the disabled, and voters traveling outside their districts on Election Day, adding, 'There is only one reason to object to these three requirements: to cheat.'
Criticism of Republican senators
In his statement, Trump specifically criticized Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Thom Tillis, Bill Cassidy, and Mitch McConnell, calling on the 'five Republican Senate defectors' to vote to save the country.
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy responded with surprise to Trump's message. Cassidy noted that he is one of the co-sponsors of the SAVE Act, saying, 'I don't know which staffer misled you, but thank you for your interest in this issue.'
Cassidy also said that the public needs relief on housing costs and that delaying a stalled housing bill until the SAVE Act passes would be 'irresponsible.'
Fetterman's notable stance
Democratic Senator John Fetterman signaled he would support a narrowed bill imposing a voter ID requirement, saying, 'If Republicans want real reform instead of a show vote, produce a clean, independent bill, and I will vote YES.'
Fetterman added, 'Bottom line: PHOTO ID to vote. Stop turning this into a Christmas list and attacking mail-in voting.'
