Trump ‘willing’ to help Thune whip Senate votes on SAVE America Act

Published July 24, 2026 4:23pm ET | Updated July 24, 2026 4:23pm ET



President Donald Trump defended his efforts to pressure Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, but said he’d be “willing” to personally call Senate Republican holdouts to secure their votes.

Trump‘s comments came after White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Thursday that the president’s patience was running thin with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) for failing to move the bill. Thune, who has consistently stated the bill doesn’t have the requisite votes, responded by suggesting that Leavitt should “pick up the phone” and find the votes herself.

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