Trump questions Thune's leadership for not putting 'most popular bill I’ve ever seen' up for vote in Senate

President Donald Trump.

Speaking with reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, President Trump questioned Senate Majority Leader John Thune's ability to lead the senate a day after Thune said he wouldn't bring the SAVE Act up for a vote because the bill won't get enough votes to pass. 

"Well, he's got to be a leader," Trump said in response to a reporter's question. "If he's the leader, he's got to get them," the president said about Thune rallying the necessary 60 votes in the Senate. The House has already approved the measure. 

Trump went on to say, "It's the most popular bill I've ever seen put before Congress," alluding to the broad national support for voter ID requirements polling has shown. Trump added that the bill also includes provisions for banning men from competing in women's sports as well as outlawing doctors and hospitals from performing gender transition surgeries on children. 

Over the weekend, Trump ramped up pressure on Thune, threatening to not sign any further legislation until the Senate passed the SAVE Act. Mark Meadows, who served for a time as Trump's chief of staff during his first term, posted on X a list of the senators who support the bill along with a list of the senators who don't support the bill. On Wednesday afternoon, Meadows announced Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina is now supporting the Save Act. Below, watch Trump's comments about Thune on Wednesday.