Trump Threatens Landmark Housing Law In Protest Of Congress Not Passing Voter ID Law
ToplinePresident Donald Trump said he won’t sign a bipartisan housing bill passed by Congress last month in protest of the Senate’s inability to pass new voter ID requirements—but unless he vetos the bill, it w...
Topline
President Donald Trump said he won’t sign a bipartisan housing bill passed by Congress last month in protest of the Senate’s inability to pass new voter ID requirements—but unless he vetos the bill, it will automatically become law at midnight, even without his signature.
Donald Trump, President of United States, speaks at the press conference during the 2026 NATO Ankara Summit in Ankara, Turkey, on July 8th, 2026. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto via Getty Images
Key Facts
Trump said in a Truth Social post on Friday he will not sign the housing bill “IN PROTEST over the fact that the United States Senate is not capable of passing THE SAVE AMERICA ACT.”
It’s unclear if Trump will veto the legislation, however, which is the only way to block it from taking effect at midnight.
Trump previously cancelled a June 24 signing ceremony for the housing bill in an effort to compel the Senate to pass the SAVE Act.
Trump previously cancelled a June 24 signing ceremony for the housing bill in an effort to compel the Senate to pass the SAVE Act.
Trump has 10 days, excluding Sundays, under the Constitution to sign or veto the legislation before it automatically becomes law.
Trump has repeatedly diminished the housing bill, known as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, and pivoted to talking about the voter ID law instead when prompted by reporters—he called the housing bill a “yawn” last week and refused to answer when asked Thursday if he would sign it, telling reporters, “I’ll make a decision.”
Tangent
Trump also repeated his push for the Senate to terminate the filibuster, which would allow the Senate to pass legislation by a simple majority, rather than 60 votes. Senate leadership has said there’s no appetite for getting rid of the filibuster, a move that could backfire on the party if Democrats retake the majority in the Senate.
Key Background
The 21st Century Road to Housing Act passed the House in a 358-32 vote and the Senate in an 85-5 vote last month. The legislation aims to reduce housing costs and barriers to home ownership by increasing some mortgage loan limits and access to small-dollar mortgages, among other measures. It also restricts investors who already own a large number of homes from buying new properties. The SAVE Act would require proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate, and show photo ID, when voting. Democrats and voting rights advocates have argued the bill would restrict voter access and prevent some citizens who are already on the voter rolls from participating in elections if they don’t have the proper documents.
further reading
Trump Refuses To Sign Housing Affordability Bill Until Congress Passes Voter ID Law (Forbes)
Senate Passes Housing Bill Restricting Institutional Investors From Purchasing Homes (Forbes)
Trump Says He’ll Ban Large Institutional Investors From Buying Homes (Forbes)