Breaking: White House Scrambling as SAVE Act is Failing in Senate

Summary

---

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.

---

Transcript

[A]

A Mochi moment from Sadie who writes I'm not crying, you're crying. This is what I said during my first appointment with my physician at Mochi because I didn't have to convince him I needed a GLP one. He understood and I felt supported, not judged. I came for the weight loss and stayed for the empathy. Thanks Sadie. I'm Mayra Amit, founder of Mochi Health. To find your mochi moment, visit joinmochi.com

[B]

Sadie is a Mochi member, compensated for her story Some days call for some oomph to amplify your everyday look. Like when you want the look of false lashes without the extra effort, reach for Thrive Cosmetics Liquid Lash Volumizer Mascara or when you want all eyes on your smile, keep Empower Gloss Ultra Glossy Lip Serum in your bag. It's a burst of 24 hour hydration that smooths like a serum, shines like a gloss, and can be worn sheer or layered. You'll also look and feel your best with Thrive Cosmetics. Plus, every product is 100% vegan, cruelty free and and made with clean, skin loving ingredients that work with your skin, not against it. And for every product purchased, Thrive Cosmetics donates to help communities Thrive. So every time you use your favorite Thrive Cosmetics product, you're helping communities you care about too amplify your everyday. Go to thrivecosmetics.com shine26 for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. That's Thrive Cosmetics. C A U S E M E t I c s.com shine26 we have

[C]

significant developments right now. The SAVE act is dying, if not dead. The voter suppression bill that many around the country have been worried about is failing in the United States Senate. At the same time, the White House is actively considering a proposal from pro Trump allies to declare a national emergency to exert immense executive authority over the upcoming midterm elections, essentially allow the President of the United States to take control of the midterm elections. I don't say this to scare you. I say this because it's the news. You may not like it, but I need you to like, comment, share and subscribe. The more you engage, the more people see this video and please consider subscribing to my substack. Click the link below to support my work. Let's just jump right into it. This afternoon, according to Punchbowl News, a frustrated Majority Leader John Thune finally quashed the talking filibuster. Talking filibuster? Was this plan put forth by Republicans to force Democrats to essentially filibuster a vote on the SAVE act by talking, using and holding the Senate floor with lengthy speeches, tiring them out in an effort to try to get the SAVE act passed. But four plus Senate Republicans will not vote to kill every single Democratic amendment that they put forth, guaranteeing the SAVE act has no path forward. Senator Thom Tillis says that he is opposed to the motion to proceed. In addition, Thune has privately griped that Speaker Mike Johnson isn't doing enough to tamp down what House Republicans are doing regarding the SAVE Act. Some Senate Republicans thought Thune let this talking filibuster talk linger too long, but Thune leaned on the strategy that won him the leadership race. Quote, wait for a consensus to emerge before making a decision. That consensus at least four Republicans aren't willing to help him move the process along. Thom Tillis, John Curtis from Utah, Mitch McConnell and Murkowski. And I would probably argue that there is a fifth. I think Susan Collins would also be added into this list. But that means the SAVE act is dead. The SAVE act will not pass the United States Senate A major victory A major victory for voting rights advocates across America. But there is a flip side to it. As I mentioned, the Washington Post is now reporting that pro Trump advocates say they are actively circulating they are actively circulating a 17 page draft executive order that claims that China interfered in a 2020 election as a basis to declare a national emergency that would unlock extraordinary presidential power over voting. President Trump has repeatedly previewed a plan to mandate voter ID and ban mail in ballots in November's midterm elections, and activists expect their draft will figure into Trump's promised executive order on the issue. Quote, 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, said Peter Tickton. Tickton attended the New York Military Academy of Trump was part of his legal team that filed the unsuccessful 2022 lawsuit accusing Democrats of conspiring to damage with him with allegations that his 2016 campaign colluded with Russia. But here we have a situation where the president is aware that there are foreign interests that are interfering in our election processes that causes a national emergency where the president has to be able to deal with it. The emergency would empower the president to ban mail ballots and voting machines as the vectors of foreign interference. The idea of claiming emergency executive powers based on allegations of foreign interference attaches new significance to the administration's actions to reinvestigate the 2020 election. Trump has never accepted defeat, while never finding evidence of widespread fraud. Tulsi Gabbard is leading a review of election security that officials say focuses on foreign influence, but there is no evidence and in fact, an intelligence review concluded that China, while considering efforts to influence the 2020 election, did not. And so we're in a serious situation and it's up to Congress to stop it. That's why I spoke to Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthy from Illinois this afternoon to talk about the SAVE act, his race for Senate and much more. Make sure to like, comment, share and subscribe. Support my work. Subscribe to my substack, click the link below or send the Venmo to Aaron Parnas for coffee. Here's my interview with the Congressman. Stay tuned. Excited to be joined by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthy, who's running for Senate in Illinois this afternoon. Now, Congressman, I want to get right into it. Why are you running for Senate in Illinois? What do people need to know about the campaign? And why are you the best Democrat to represent the Illinois in the Senate?

[D]

Well, thank you for the question. Look, I'm running because of my backstory. I was born in India, came to this country when I was three months old to Buffalo, New York. Things were going good and then suddenly it turned bad in the recession of the 70s, my father lost his income. But thanks to the generosity of the American people, we were allowed to move into public housing and food stamps. And so I spent a good portion of my early childhood in those two life sustaining programs. Then my father got on his feet and got a great job and of all places, Peoria, Illinois. And so moved to Peoria, moved to the middle class and every night, you may have heard of the term passion of the converted. That was my father. He 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. And so that became the north star of my personal compass. Fast forward through college and law school, came back to Illinois, worked in the private sector, the public sector, got elected to Congress after running a small business. And here I am 10 years later, I'm still pursuing that mission statement my parents gave me. Make sure this country is there for the next families who need it. And I believe that that mission statement is now more important than ever in the chaos of Donald Trump, as families struggle to attain the same American dream that my family did. And so that's why I'm running, to make sure that people have access to that American dream to realize their full potential, however they define it, which for millions of people feels like it's impossible right now.

[C]

Well, I got to ask you, March 17th is the primary day in Illinois. You're running in a crowded primary. Two other big name Democratic candidates. Why should voters pick you at the ballot box?

[D]

Well, I think two reasons. One, I have the background as a former small business person, but also as someone who's worked for a decade on issues of economic development and opportunity to address the economic challenges that people have. And then number two, I spent a decade standing up to bullies and bad actors and now we have to do the same thing. I have to do the same thing with regard to the biggest bully of them all, Donald Trump, who's trampling on our Constitution, on our laws, our rules, our regulations. And I have stood up to him and others. And now more than ever, we need to have our government back. We need to take it back.

[C]

I do want to ask you about an issue that came up in front of the House of Representatives, is now pending in front of the Senate. It's the SAVE Act. The House passed the SAVE act, now pending in the Senate, looks like it may die in the United States Senate. Do you have any update on the SAVE Act? And is that something folks in Illinois and really across America should be worried about when it comes to the elections?

[D]

Absolutely. It's another voter suppression tactic. So just so your viewers know what's going on, the SAVE act is basically Donald Trump's last ditch effort to try to save the election for himself. Because if it were free and fair, if it were held under normal conditions, the Republican Party is going to lose their majority not only in the House, possibly also the Senate. And then Donald Trump will be on his back foot. And the reason is very simple. He's extremely unpopular throughout the country. He knows it, everyone knows it. And so now he's decided to try to introduce new measures to try to stamp out non existent voter fraud by basically requiring ID such as birth certificates and other items which will absolutely suppress the vote, especially among seniors, among different groups of people who would otherwise vote Democratic. Now, this particular bill did pass out of the House, obviously on a party line vote, but in the Senate, it is likely to die because Democrats will filibuster it. Now, the majority leader John, is being asked to try to change the filibuster rules to basically save the SAVE act. But I'm doubtful about that. I think that it's going to die as it should in the U.S. senate. And I think Democrats have to stand up in favor of, well, I should say stand in opposition, strong Opposition to the SAVE Act.

[C]

Now there is some speculation that the White House may try to declare a national emergency and to go after elections or to do something to try to eliminate mail in ballots, make it harder for folks to vote across the country. What can you tell? I mean, those watching that you will do to ensure that it doesn't happen or at least that you'll fight against it?

[D]

Well, I think that we need to shine a light on this problem right now, as you are doing. I don't think we should take anything for granted. 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 around the time of the election. In addition to shining a light on the real possibility of nonsense happening courtesy of Donald Trump. I think we're gonna have to take court action. I think that we should be ready to potentially take court action even, even well in advance of the elections so that we put people on notice. And yes, it's a risk, but I think you have to take that risk when democracy is at issue. I think the last thing is we have to continue to shine a light in the Senate and the House in terms of our oversight duties and kind of hold holding our colleagues feet to the fire as well. When Donald Trump says he wants to nationalize the elections, asking them on the record, where do they stand? Because I know that voters don't want that to happen.

[C]

Now, one final question before I let you go. I do want to touch base on the Epstein files. Obviously we have the Hillary and Bill depositions this week. Something. It's not gonna go away, right? Just because the House of Representatives is controlled by Republicans and the Senate's controlled by Republicans and you have a Republican in the White House right now, doesn't mean the issue is really going away anytime soon. If you're elected to the Senate, what can you assure voters that you will do to ensure that full accountability and transparency comes regarding the files?

[D]

So as you know, I'm on the Oversight Committee and so I'm helping to lead the charge in the investigation. And 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, I believe, contain the names of potential co conspirators that need to be investigated. Look, the reason why I feel so strongly about this is I met with the victims or the survivors of the ghastly child sex trafficking ring that Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell perpetrated decades ago and continued for years after that. Those then girls are now middle aged women. They have not received a single measure of justice. It is wrong. And so for their sake and also to prevent this from happening again, we have to do everything we can to a get all the files because we have not yet received all the files from the doj that's required under the law. And then B making sure that we bring people before the committee who have knowledge of what happened. And then C I believe that people should be held accountable. You know, the UK is doing more the than the United States right now with regard to holding people accountable. Whether it's the former Prince Andrew or Peter Mendelsohn, the former ambassador of the U.S. we have done nothing. And the DOJ claims there's nothing to see here, there's nothing to investigate, nothing to prosecute. And that just doesn't add up. It doesn't make sense. I'm gonna continue to sound the alarm and press for answers regardless of the who's who's involved. And I'm going to do that in the US Senate as well.

[C]

Congressman, thanks so much for taking the time.

[D]

Thank you so much Aaron.

[C]

Hey folks, thanks so much for watching. Feel free to add this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you watch for the latest breaking news and daily hits throughout the day. Make sure to follow subscribe. See you soon for more.