Former President Donald Trump has called on congressional Republicans to initiate a government shutdown unless they secure 'absolute assurances' regarding election security and pass the controversial Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged GOP members to refuse a continuing resolution on the budget if their demands are not met, asserting that Democrats are attempting to manipulate voter registrations by including illegal aliens. The SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship for voter registration, has garnered mixed support among Republicans, with some expressing hesitation about its passage ahead of the 2024 elections. House Speaker Mike Johnson is attempting to attach the SAVE Act to a funding bill, but Democrats view this as a 'poison pill' that threatens a bipartisan agreement. The deadline for Congress to reach a funding deal is September 30, prompting urgent discussions amidst a potential deadlock. Critics argue that the SAVE Act could disenfranchise legitimate voters, while Trump continues to propagate unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud.