The Parnas Perspective

Episode: Breaking: White House Scrambling as SAVE Act is Failing in Senate
Host: Aaron Parnas
Date: February 26, 2026

Episode Overview

In this urgent episode, Aaron Parnas breaks down explosive political developments as the controversial SAVE Act—a bill widely criticized as a voter suppression effort—appears doomed in the U.S. Senate. As the White House reportedly contemplates using executive power to intervene in upcoming midterm elections, Aaron provides insights and real-time analysis. The episode features a candid interview with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthy, a Senate candidate from Illinois, who weighs in on the SAVE Act, threats to democracy, and government transparency on the Epstein files.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Senate Blocks the SAVE Act: The End of a Voter Suppression Bill

(01:30 – 06:25)

• Aaron announces breaking news: the SAVE Act is effectively dead in the Senate, citing reporting from Punchbowl News.
  • The SAVE Act, described as a “voter suppression bill,” aimed to impose stricter voting ID requirements and restrict methods like mail-in ballots.
• Filibuster Strategy: Senate Majority Leader John Thune attempted to use a "talking filibuster" to force through the bill, but failed to secure enough GOP votes to block Democratic amendments.
  • Notable Republican Senators opposing the process: Thom Tillis, John Curtis, Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski. Aaron speculates Susan Collins is a likely fifth.
  • “Thune has privately griped that Speaker Mike Johnson isn’t doing enough to tamp down what House Republicans are doing regarding the SAVE Act.” (03:17)
  • “That means the SAVE Act is dead… A major victory for voting rights advocates across America.” (04:31)
• White House Scrambling: In response, Trump allies are circulating a draft executive order alleging Chinese interference in the 2020 election, as grounds for declaring a national emergency and asserting federal power over elections.
  • Rumored powers would ban mail-in ballots and voting machines.

2. Legal Limits & the Role of the Presidency

(05:20 – 06:25)

• Legal expert Peter Tickton notes:
  • “Under the Constitution, it’s the legislatures and states that really control how a state conducts its elections, and the president doesn’t have any power to do that.” (05:28)
• Current White House stance aligns with former President Trump’s longstanding, unfounded claims of election interference and fraud.
  • "Tulsi Gabbard is leading a review of election security… but there is no evidence and in fact, an intelligence review concluded that China… did not [interfere]." (05:58-06:11)
• Aaron underscores the seriousness, stating, “We’re in a serious situation and it’s up to Congress to stop it.” (06:15)

3. Interview: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthy – On the SAVE Act, Democracy, and Accountability

(06:28 – 14:40)

Krishnamoorthy’s Senate Run & Motivations

• The Congressman shares a personal narrative: immigration from India, early reliance on social support programs, and the pursuit of the “American dream.”
  • “My father… would say things like, ‘Think of the greatness of this country and whatever you do, make sure it’s there for the next families who need it.’” (07:04)
  • Emphasizes commitment to safeguarding opportunity for future generations, especially during "the chaos of Donald Trump." (07:46)

Democratic Primary in Illinois

• Krishnamoorthy highlights his background in small business and economic development.
  • “I spent a decade standing up to bullies and bad actors… Now we have to do the same thing…with regard to the biggest bully of them all, Donald Trump.” (08:25)

The SAVE Act: Threats and Fallout

• Clarifies that the SAVE Act is a voter suppression measure:
  • “It’s basically Donald Trump’s last ditch effort to try to save the election for himself… suppress the vote, especially among seniors, among different groups… who would otherwise vote Democratic.” (09:20)
  • Expresses confidence that the Senate filibuster will hold, saying, “I think that it’s going to die as it should in the U.S. Senate.” (09:56)
  • Urges Democrats to “stand in strong opposition” to the bill. (10:01)

Preventing Election Subversion

• Responds to the prospect of a national emergency or aggressive federal intervention in elections:
  • “That’s why I introduced legislation to prevent any element of DHS—whether it’s ICE or CBP or anyone else—from going anywhere near a polling place. Because I’m worried that he’s gonna use those groups as paramilitary forces almost to try to intimidate voters…” (11:16)
  • “I think we’re gonna have to take court action… even well in advance of the elections.” (11:35)
  • Calls for relentless oversight and transparency from Congress.

Epstein Files and Demands for Transparency

• Aaron presses Krishnamoorthy about legislative actions concerning unsealed Epstein case files.
  • Krishnamoorthy pledges continued effort:
    • “I’ve actually had a chance to review some of the unredacted files and quite frankly, they should be released to the public because they… contain the names of potential co-conspirators that need to be investigated.” (13:07)
    • Highlights the lack of justice for victims: “Those then girls are now middle aged women. They have not received a single measure of justice. It is wrong.” (13:28)
    • Criticizes the DOJ for inaction and promises to “sound the alarm and press for answers regardless of who’s involved.” (14:09-14:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “That means the SAVE Act is dead. The SAVE Act will not pass the United States Senate. A major victory for voting rights advocates across America.”
  (Aaron Parnas, 04:31)

• “It’s basically Donald Trump’s last ditch effort to try to save the election for himself. …Suppress the vote, especially among seniors, among different groups of people who would otherwise vote Democratic.”
  (Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthy, 09:20)

• “I introduced legislation to prevent any element of DHS… from going anywhere near a polling place. Because I’m worried that he’s gonna use those groups as paramilitary forces almost to try to intimidate voters…”
  (Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthy, 11:16)

• “I’ve actually had a chance to review some of the unredacted files and quite frankly they should be released to the public because they… contain the names of potential co conspirators…”
  (Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthy, 13:07)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:30–06:26 | SAVE Act breakdown & Senate filibuster strategy | | 06:26–08:00 | Krishnamoorthy’s personal backstory & campaign motivations | | 08:00–08:51 | Illinois Democratic primary context | | 08:52–10:47 | Deep dive: The SAVE Act & threat to voting rights | | 10:48–12:28 | White House national emergency plans & congressional oversight | | 12:29–14:37 | Epstein files, DOJ criticism, and accountability promises |

Overall Tone & Final Thoughts

Aaron Parnas delivers the episode in his signature rapid, high-alert style—urgent, incisive, and unflinching. The conversation with Rep. Krishnamoorthy is direct and policy-focused, emphasizing both the immediacy of current dangers to democracy and the enduring fight for transparency and justice. This episode is a vital listen for anyone tracking voting rights, executive overreach, or high-profile legal investigations in 2026.