Trump didn’t like this question.
President Donald Trump sharply criticized a reporter Monday after being asked why he wants the U.S. Senate to remain in Washington instead of leaving for its scheduled summer recess.
The exchange took place aboard Air Force One as Trump traveled to Michigan, where he later delivered remarks on the economy and American manufacturing.
The reporter asked why Senate Republicans should stay in the nation’s capital to work on the SAVE Act rather than return home to campaign ahead of the upcoming elections.
Trump immediately dismissed the question.
“What a stupid question!” the president responded.
When the reporter repeated the question, Trump stood by his reaction.
“What a stupid question! For Jennifer to ask such a stupid question—and she’s a smart person,” Trump said.
The president then recalled knowing the reporter from his first presidential campaign in Iowa, noting that she predicted his victory long before many political analysts believed he would win.
Trump Pushes Senate To Pass The SAVE Act
After addressing the question, Trump quickly turned his focus to what he called one of Congress’s most important priorities.
“The SAVE Act has to be done,” Trump said.
“They shouldn’t leave town. I’m not going to stop them from doing it, but they should get the SAVE Act done.”
Trump warned that failing to pass the legislation before lawmakers leave Washington could hurt Republicans politically.
“If they don’t get it done, it’s going to be a very bad thing for the party,” he said.
The president also predicted unified Democratic opposition to the measure.
“The SAVE Act is going to be voted against by all Democrats, just so we know,” Trump said.
He added that several Republican senators may also oppose the bill but declined to identify them publicly.
“We have some Republicans that I will not comment on, a few of them, probably four, that we probably won’t get the vote,” Trump said.
“I’d like to comment on them, but I have too much sense to do it.”
What Is The SAVE Act?
The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act has become one of President Trump’s top legislative priorities.
The proposal would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Republican supporters argue the legislation would strengthen election integrity and increase public confidence in the voting process.
Democrats have opposed the bill, arguing that existing laws already prohibit non-citizens from voting in federal elections and that additional documentation requirements could create obstacles for some eligible voters.
The legislation remains a major point of disagreement between Republicans and Democrats as Congress debates election-related policy ahead of the midterm elections.
Trump Heads To Michigan To Promote Economy
Following the exchange with reporters, Trump traveled to the General Motors Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan.
During his visit, the president highlighted his administration’s economic agenda, emphasizing American manufacturing, domestic investment, and efforts to expand U.S. production.
The heated exchange aboard Air Force One quickly drew attention, but Trump’s central message remained focused on urging the Senate to stay in session until lawmakers vote on the SAVE Act, which he says is essential before Congress leaves Washington for its summer break.