Ford Condemns Trump's 'For Jesus' Voter ID Push

Democratic Congressional nominee calls President's tactic 'despicable' and a 'twist of faith'.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:18am

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La Shawn Ford, the Democratic Congressional nominee, has strongly criticized President Donald Trump for telling Republicans to pass his controversial voter ID bill 'for Jesus'. Ford called the president's move 'despicable' and said it is 'unconscionable' for any leader to 'twist faith into a weapon for voter suppression'.

Why it matters

Trump's push for the voter ID bill, known as the SAVE Act, comes amid public outrage over rising gas and food prices due to the war in Iran, as well as the president's plummeting approval ratings. The bill is seen by Democrats as another tactic for voter suppression, and its passage would make it one of the most restrictive anti-voter bills ever passed by Congress.

The details

Trump told his Republican allies to work through the Easter holiday to pass the SAVE Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote and a photo ID to cast a ballot. The bill does not have the 60-vote supermajority needed in the Senate, where Republicans hold 53 of 100 seats. Democrats are opposed to the bill and are digging in, demanding concessions on immigration enforcement as well.

  • On March 23, Trump made voter ID demands during a Republican roundtable in Memphis.
  • Trump told Republicans to pass the SAVE Act 'for Jesus' and ordered them to work through the Easter holiday.

The players

La Shawn Ford

The Democratic Congressional nominee who condemned Trump's tactics as 'despicable' and a 'twist of faith'.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who is pushing for the passage of the controversial voter ID bill, the SAVE Act.

Father Michael Pfleger

A Chicago religious leader who called Trump's actions 'evil and lying on Jesus and the scriptures'.

Rev. Stephen Thurston

The Chief Impact Officer of Rainbow PUSH who said 'Invoking Jesus to justify voter suppression is not faith. It is fraud.'

Markwayne Mullin

The newly sworn-in Department of Homeland Security Secretary who supports returning ICE to pre-2025 guidance for search warrants.

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What they’re saying

“It is unconscionable for any leader, including Donald Trump, to twist faith into a weapon for voter suppression.”

— La Shawn Ford, Democratic Congressional nominee

“It is both evil and lying on Jesus and the scriptures to justify his wickedness. The Evangelical right ought to be condemning him for it.”

— Father Michael Pfleger

“Invoking Jesus to justify voter suppression is not faith. It is fraud.”

— Rev. Stephen Thurston, Chief Impact Officer, Rainbow PUSH

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.