NewsNation host Chris Cuomo sparked controversy Thursday by claiming that voter fraud is “not a thing” while criticizing concerns that even a single fraudulent vote is unacceptable.
Cuomo made the remarks on his podcast, The Chris Cuomo Project, as he addressed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, legislation aimed at tightening federal election requirements.
“The argument that ‘one is too many’—oh, bullsh*t!” Cuomo said, advocating for expanded early and mail-in voting.
He cited President Donald Trump’s recent mail-in vote in Florida’s special election as an example of widespread absentee participation.
“This isn’t about better. It’s about fewer, okay?” he said. “That’s what it’s about. And we need early voting. We need mail-in voting. We want more participation.”
The SAVE Act, currently under discussion in Congress, would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration in federal elections.
According to The Daily Caller, it also mandates that voters present photo identification at polling places and would eliminate mail-only voter registration systems.
President Trump has made the legislation a central condition for his support of government funding.
In a March 8 Truth Social post, he stated that he would not sign any appropriations bill until the SAVE America Act was included, calling for verification of citizenship and removal of non-citizens from federal voter rolls.
Proponents of the SAVE Act, largely Republicans, argue that the law is necessary to ensure election integrity.
Democrats have countered that such measures amount to voter suppression, particularly affecting minority and marginalized communities.
National organizations that have studied election fraud offer data relevant to the debate.
The Heritage Foundation maintains a map listing “proven instances” of voter fraud as of December 12, 2025.
While each state has between zero and 138 documented cases, the map is described as “not comprehensive” and aims to illustrate “vulnerabilities in the election process and the ways in which fraud is committed.”
Similarly, the CATO Institute has concluded that voter fraud by illegal aliens is not prevalent, echoing Cuomo’s assertion that widespread fraud is rare.
Both organizations emphasize the importance of monitoring and safeguarding election systems but note that confirmed incidents remain limited relative to the scale of voting nationwide.
Cuomo’s remarks have drawn attention for their blunt dismissal of the notion that even isolated fraud should be taken seriously.
Legal analysts note that while U.S. election laws vary by state, federal requirements such as proof of citizenship and identification are intended to reduce potential vulnerabilities.
The broader debate over the SAVE Act and related legislation illustrates ongoing partisan disagreement over election security.
Advocates argue that stricter verification protects the democratic process, while critics contend that the laws could suppress lawful voter participation.
Lawmakers from both parties continue to negotiate provisions for federal elections, weighing public confidence against access to the ballot.
As discussions over the SAVE Act continue, Cuomo’s statements reflect a clear viewpoint that voter fraud is negligible and that expanding voter access should remain a priority.
The conversation highlights the tension between election security measures and participation rights amid a politically polarized environment.
WATCH:
