President Donald Trump announced Friday he will not sign the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, a bipartisan bill set to become law at midnight unless vetoed, as a protest against the Senate's failure to pass the SAVE America Act.
In a fiery Truth Social post, Trump called the lack of action on the SAVE America Act “CRAZY” and warned it poses “a serious threat to any politician who votes against it.” He urged Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to push the legislation through, arguing that Democrats would do the same if they regain control of the chamber.
“The Dumocrats will TERMINATE THE FILIBUSTER, if and when they ever get the chance to do so, in their very first hour – And I will no longer be able to call them Dumocrats again! The title of DUMB will revert to the Republicans who allowed this horrible calamity to happen to our Party, and our Nation, itself!” Trump wrote.
The president’s outburst came just hours before the housing bill, which passed both chambers late last month, is set to automatically become law if he does not veto it. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) downplayed the threat, telling USA Today that Trump will not veto the measure. “He won’t veto the bill. We already know that. He’ll either allow it to just go into law, or he’ll put his signature on it and take partial ownership, and I hope he does the latter,” Johnson said.
Trump had already disrupted plans last month by canceling a signing ceremony for the bill at the Capitol, vowing not to sign it until the SAVE America Act is passed. The housing legislation aims to ease permitting rules, restrict corporate purchases of single-family homes, and provide incentives for converting vacant or abandoned buildings into housing. It also offers grants and loans for renovating older homes.
The standoff underscores ongoing tensions between Trump and congressional Republicans over legislative priorities. In a related development, Trump's shadow looms over the 2028 GOP primary, with potential candidates like JD Vance and Marco Rubio already positioning themselves. Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of a 'brazen power grab' following the president's firing of Democratic election commissioners.
Trump's refusal to sign the housing bill could create a political headache for Republicans, who have touted the measure as a win for voters. If the bill becomes law without his signature, it may weaken his leverage. But if he vetoes it, he risks alienating moderate voters and lawmakers who supported the bipartisan effort.
The SAVE America Act, meanwhile, remains stalled in the Senate. Trump's demand to end the filibuster has divided Republicans, with some warning it could backfire if Democrats regain power. As the midnight deadline approaches, Washington is watching closely to see whether Trump will follow through on his threat or allow the housing bill to become law.
