Trump's FISA Reauthorization Stalled by Intelligence Chief Pick, Seeks Replacement
President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as temporary director of national intelligence has derailed Senate negotiations to reauthorize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which expires Friday. The controversial pick prompted Trump to announce he is seeking a replacement and requesting a short-term extension. The impasse highlights broader disagreements over FISA's Section 702 surveillance powers, with lawmakers from both parties seeking reforms.
Congress was moving toward reauthorizing FISA when Trump appointed Bill Pulte, current director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as temporary head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), effective June 19. Critics questioned Pulte's lack of intelligence experience for overseeing 18 agencies, causing Senate Democrats and Republicans who had negotiated a compromise three-year reauthorization with Section 702 reforms to stall. In response, Trump announced Wednesday he is actively seeking a replacement and requested Congress pass a short-term extension. Some Democrats indicated they could support an extension if a qualified permanent replacement is confirmed on a defined timeline, while others like Sen. Angus King said an indefinite Pulte tenure would prevent their support. The situation reflects a rare bipartisan concern: privacy hawks on both sides want stricter warrant requirements under Section 702 to prevent Americans from being caught in foreign surveillance.
What different sources said
- Fox NewsRight
Trump concession breathes new life into stalled FISA spy powers deal
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