Trump Is 'Cheerleading' September Government Shutdown Over SAVE Act, Chuck Schumer Says

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) accused President Donald Trump of supporting a potential September government shutdown to pressure Republicans into passing the SAVE Act, which Democrats say could limit voting access ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Schumer Blames Trump Over SAVE Act Shutdown On Monday, in a post on X, Schumer said, "Donald Trump wants to shut down the government in September to force Senate Republicans to pass the SAVE Act, rig the midterm elections, and disenfranchise millions of American citizens." Schumer also blamed Trump in advance for any potential funding lapse, saying, "If the government shuts down in September, remember one man was cheerleading for that outcome all along: Donald Trump." Donald Trump wants to shut down the government in September to force Senate Republicans to pass the SAVE Act, rig the midterm elections, and disenfranchise millions of American citizens.If the government shuts down in September, remember one man was cheerleading for that… https://t.co/UeaRWoZ0BS— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 13, 2026 Trump Pushes SAVE Act Priority Last week, President Trump had tied the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and defense funding priorities to the passage of the SAVE America Act, saying he would not sign the housing bill until Congress advanced the election legislation. "I 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," Trump said. He also urged lawmakers to prioritize the SAVE Act alongside a $350 billion defense funding package. SAVE Act Sparks Election Fight Earlier, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) pushed for the SAVE America Act to move through a third budget reconciliation bill, saying it was the only option amid Senate opposition. Johnson said he had discussed the strategy with Trump, with reconciliation potentially allowing Republicans to bypass the Senate filibuster. Democratic leaders criticized the effort, accusing Trump and Republicans of interfering with state election systems. Gov. Tim Walz (D-Minn.) warned Trump of "unlawful federal intrusion" into state election systems and argued that voting oversight should remain with states. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) also opposed the legislation, saying it would restrict voting access rather than strengthen election security. Kelly argued Trump supported the bill to preserve Republican control in Congress by making voting more difficult. Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. Read Also: Trump Tells House GOP 'It Will Guarantee The Midterms' If SAVE Act Is Passed: 'You Will Win Every Election For A Long Time' Photo courtesy: Shutterstock