Trump Cites India’s Voter ID Model to Push for US SAVE America Act

In a Truth Social post, Trump referenced a recent exchange with India's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who questioned how U.S. elections could be held without mandatory photo identification. Trump also pointed to India's 2024 Lok Sabha election, where about 646 million people voted, arguing that large-scale voter ID requirements are feasible.

U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor echoed Trump on X, writing, "646 MILLION voters, every single one required an ID in India's last election," and urged Congress to pass the legislation. The comments follow a meeting last week between Kumar and Gor, where the two agreed to cooperate on election management and staff training, according to the U.S. Embassy in India.

The SAVE America Act, a priority for the Trump administration, would mandate documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for federal voter registration, require photo ID at polling places, and tighten restrictions on absentee voting. The bill passed the House earlier this year but has stalled in the Senate.

Trump's reference to India adds an international angle to the U.S. debate over voter identification, with the administration citing India's system as a model for managing a large electorate.