Does Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ give him power over federal elections? VERIFY

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” was drafted by House Republicans and sent to the Senate, with the president urging lawmakers to approve the legislation this summer. 

There are many questions surrounding what’s really in the proposal, especially with some Republicans voicing concerns about the bill after voting for it. 

Verify has gotten a lot of questions asking if there are certain presidential powers in this measure. Some social media posts claim the bill would give the president authority over federal elections. 

This led to one viewer asking what powers the bill would give the president if approved by Congress. 

Does the Big, Beautiful Bill allow the president any authority over elections?

No, the Big, Beautiful Bill does not allow the president any authority over elections.

• The Big Beautiful Bill
• The Save Act
• Catawba College Political Professor Michael Bitzer

Looking at the bill itself, we found nothing that matched provisions in the bill that have to do with federal elections.

When looking at the table of contents, the bill provides a brief description, and nothing states presidential power, delays, or cancels elections.

“There is nothing that says the president can order new elections or anything of that type within this bill,” Bitzer said.

There is another bill called the “Save Act” that passed the House and is in the Senate that talks about elections in regards to getting rid of same-day voter registration, and when the states can accept mail-in ballots.

“Often, we find that voters adjust to the game of voting, but this could have some impact on folks who are accustomed to waiting until the last minute and then may not have their vote counted,” Bitzer said.

There is nothing in the Save Act either that would give the president power over elections.

Contact Meghan Bragg at mbragg@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.