President Donald Trump speaks as he signs an executive order on vehicle repairs in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, June 29, 2026. Aaron Schwartz/Reuters
President Donald Trump diminished the significance of a bipartisan housing measure that he unexpectedly put on hold last week, after demanding that his landmark election reform legislation be presented to him concurrently.
The president characterized the housing legislation as uninspiring, asserting it held less weight than his SAVE America Act, which aims to substantially alter federal elections in the period leading up to the midterm elections, incorporating new limitations on voter registration and absentee ballots.
The bill has faced opposition from Democrats, who contend it would disenfranchise individuals lacking the necessary documentation.
President Donald Trump speaks as he signs an executive order on vehicle repairs in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, June 29, 2026.Aaron Schwartz/Reuters
"I profited significantly from real estate, but when I examine that bill, it’s merely a bill. However, when I consider the SAVE America Act, it’s about preserving America," Trump stated.
"It’s a yawn. Some people deem it excellent. To me, in comparison to the SAVE America Act, nearly everything pales in significance," he commented further.
The legislative proposal primarily intends to tackle the U.S. housing deficit by augmenting supply and establishing novel avenues for homeownership. The president was initially slated to approve the bill last Wednesday, but abruptly postponed the ceremony, choosing instead to leverage the legislation to compel the enactment of the SAVE America Act.
However, when questioned on Monday regarding whether he would ultimately endorse the housing bill, Trump expressed uncertainty, indicating it had not yet been delivered to him and that he would make a decision later.
"It has not yet been presented to me. I understand it is forthcoming," the president remarked, adding that he would render a judgment upon receiving the bill.
Speaker Mike Johnson formally transmitted the housing bill to Trump earlier on Monday, as reported by a source with knowledge of the matter to ABC News.
Once Trump receives the legislation from Congress, he has a 10-day window to reject it, after which it will automatically become law. However, if Congress adjourns before the 10-day period concludes, it could be subject to a pocket veto.
Although the bill passed with margins sufficient to override a veto, it remains uncertain what course of action would be taken if Trump returns it to Congress.
Trump indicated his desire for the SAVE America Act to be appended to the housing bill, though he acknowledged this might not materialize.
"And I would like to have the Save America Act incorporated. And that is unlikely to occur because we have four Republican senators, perhaps five, who simply will not vote for it," he stated. "It’s irrational."
Sourse: abcnews.go.com