Leavitt lays out Trump admin’s ‘America-First’ legislative priorities for 2026 and beyond oan

In his address, President Trump highlighted two prominent legislative proposals: the “Dalilah Law” to ban states from issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to illegal aliens, and the “SAVE America Act” for an “America-First” push on election integrity, including voter ID, proof of citizenship for federal voter registration, and limits on mail-in ballots.

Leavitt later reinforced these priorities in a detailed statement on X, confirming that the Dalilah Law and the SAVE America Act would serve as cornerstones of the administration’s legislative agenda.

“President Trump made some exciting policy announcements during his historic State of the Union speech that are all very popular with the American people: The Great Healthcare Plan — to stop all payments to Big Insurance Companies, and instead give that money directly to the American people so that they can buy their own healthcare, which will be better healthcare at a LOWER cost In addition, the plan requires maximum price transparency. Most Favored Nation Agreements to ensure that Americans, who have for decades paid by far the highest prices of any nation for prescription drugs, now pay the lowest price for drugs. The “Rate Payer Protection Pledge,” which will have major tech companies provide for their own power needs for AI data centers so that Americans’ prices will not go up,” Leavitt said on X.

“Banning large Wall Street investment firms from buying up single-family homes because homes are for people, not corporations. Giving forgotten American workers access to the same type of retirement plan offered to every federal worker by matching contributions with up to $1,000 dollars each year from the federal government. Ensuring that members of Congress cannot corruptly profit using inside information by passing the STOP Insider Trading Act. Announcing the war on fraud to be led by our Vice President @JDVance. Calling on Congress to pass the “Dalilah Law” — barring any state from granting Commercial Drivers Licenses to illegal aliens. Calling on Congress to approve the SAVE AMERICA Act to stop illegal aliens and other unpermitted persons from voting in our sacred American Elections. All voters must show Voter I.D. All voters must show proof of citizenship in order to vote. And NO MAIL IN BALLOTS, except for illness, disability, military, or travel,” she concluded.

These measures mark a push to establish federal standards in areas traditionally left to the states, with administration officials describing them as critical steps to enhance public safety and protect national sovereignty.

The Dalilah Law drew the most emotional response during the address. Named after 7-year-old Dalilah Coleman, who suffered life-altering injuries in a 2024 crash caused by a truck driven by an illegal alien with a state-issued commercial driver’s license (CDL), the bill would prohibit states from granting CDLs to undocumented individuals nationwide.

The administration emphasized that many such drivers lack proper legal status, English proficiency, and the training needed to safely handle heavy vehicles. In addition to the citizenship requirement, the law would require all CDL holders to demonstrate the ability to read and understand English-language road signs and instructions.

Trump labeled the measure as a necessary public safety reform to avert similar tragedies, earning strong Republican applause. In response, Democrat critics countered that existing federal rules already limit such licenses in most cases, and they warned that the new restrictions could “harm the trucking and logistics industries” or inadvertently increase the number of unlicensed, unqualified drivers on the roads.

At the same time, Trump called for swift passage of the SAVE America Act, formerly called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, to create a uniform national voting standard. The legislation would end “no-excuse” mail-in voting, limiting it to voters with verified medical conditions, disabilities, military service, or documented travel needs.

Key provisions include requiring documentary proof of citizenship — such as a passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate — for voter registration, and mandating photo ID for in-person voting at polling places, drawing comparisons to airport security checks.

Leavitt described these changes as straightforward, common-sense reforms to rebuild trust in elections. However, congressional Democrats are expected to mount strong opposition, arguing that the requirements may “disenfranchise eligible voters” who “lack easy access to specific documents.”

Earlier this month, a version of the bill passed the House by a 218–213 margin. Every Republican voted in favor, with Representative Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) as the only Democrat crossing party lines to support it.

In a statement on X, Cuellar explained his vote: “I support the SAVE America Act because I believe in a fundamental principle: American citizens should decide American elections,” he stated. “If you are already registered to vote, the status of your existing registration remains unchanged.”

At the time, Cuellar also clarified to his Democrat colleagues that the bill “requires states to accommodate name changes and accept multiple, commonly held forms of identification,” refuting criticism that the bill would make it impossible for married women to vote due to name change processes.

“If a citizen does not have those documents readily available, the bill provides a way to affirm citizenship through an affidavit,” he continued. “This approach protects election integrity while treating eligible voters with fairness and respect.”

Meanwhile, these two flagship bills form part of a broader populist push to curb corporate power and safeguard everyday American workers.

The administration’s wider platform features the Great Healthcare Plan, which would redirect funds from large insurance companies directly to citizens for purchasing coverage in a transparent, market-driven system; the Most Favored Nation policy to secure the world’s lowest prescription drug prices for Americans; the Rate Payer Protection Pledge requiring tech giants to cover their own electricity needs for artificial intelligence (AI) data centers; and a prohibition on Wall Street firms buying single-family homes.