Trump cites CEC Gyanesh Kumar, hails India’s voter ID system while renewing push for ‘SAVE America Act’

US President Donald Trump hailed India’s election system on Monday, praising the country's voter identification requirements while renewing his push for the 'SAVE America Act'. The proposed legislation seeks to require proof of citizenship and voter identification in US elections. Trump pointed to remarks by India's Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who asked the administration how the US could hold elections without a valid photo ID.

Kumar noted that India’s last general election saw 646 million voters, with less than 1 percent voting by mail and every voter required to have a valid photo ID.

Trump emphasized the magnitude of India's electoral process, with over 968 million eligible voters participating in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the largest-ever. He reiterated his call for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, stating, "We need to pass THE SAVE AMERICA ACT, now!" The bill would require voters to provide documentary proof of US citizenship and a photo ID to cast a ballot in federal elections.

The administration argues that the law would ensure only US citizens participate in deciding federal elections, while critics claim it would disenfranchise millions of eligible citizens who lack access to necessary documents.