Some Senate Republicans accuse Trump of helping Democrats after refusing to sign housing package

Multiple Senate Republicans on Wednesday slammed President Donald Trump over his decision to withhold signing a massive bipartisan housing package until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, claiming his move helped Democrats in the midterms. 

Trump was expected to sign the housing package at the Capitol earlier Wednesday but pivoted to refusing to sign it until both chambers pass the election integrity and voter security bill known as the SAVE America Act.

North Carolina GOP Sen. Thom Tillis said he was confused about the decision, stating the president's move made "no sense." 

"There is a huge group of people who really appreciate what the president's doing right now, and it's the Democratic Party," Tillis said. "And we've got to get our act together and stop surprising people and start having … working messages. This housing bill was a very clear, bipartisan effort to address some of the basics of affordability, and we are here. It makes no sense."

Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn characterized the president's decision as "inexplicable," and questioned whether there was "precedent" for what the president was trying to accomplish. 

Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy, a Republican, told Fox News that although he supports the president's push to pass the SAVE America Act, Senate Republicans do not have the votes to pass it. 

"I will stand on one leg and bark like a dog if that's what it takes to help this pass," Kennedy said. "But you can't make people vote in a way that they don't want to do. I mean, that's what we're up against."

The bill, known as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, aims to address affordability concerns heading into the midterms by increasing the housing supply. It also includes an effort to bar institutional investors from purchasing certain single-family homes, which is expected to help bring down the costs.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.