Trump sticks with Pulte as risk grows of lapse in spy powers
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is likely to lapse Friday at midnight as President Donald Trump refuses to replace acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte. Democrats say they will block the renewal unless Pulte is removed, potentially limiting U.S. intelligence collection abroad during upcoming World Cup games and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Why is the FISA renewal stalled?
The impasse centers on the appointment of Bill Pulte, a federal housing finance regulator, as the acting head of the nation’s intelligence agencies. Democrats have stated they will not support the renewal of Section 702 unless Trump withdraws Pulte’s appointment and names a permanent replacement.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called Pulte a “partisan political hack” and a “disgraceful individual” who is unqualified for the role. Trump rejected these demands on Wednesday, stating, “We can’t let them extort us.”
Congressional Republicans have also lobbied the White House to nominate a permanent replacement. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said GOP leaders have shared their views with the administration on the easiest path to pass the bill.
What are the risks of a lapse?
A lapse would limit the intelligence the U.S. government can gather abroad. Senators Tom Cotton and Chuck Grassley warned the administration in a letter to prepare for a “potential significant gap in foreign intelligence collection.”
The timing is critical as the U.S. prepares for World Cup games in various cities and celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the country. While a compromise bill was previously reached, seven Republicans joined Democrats in blocking a long-term extension following Pulte’s appointment.
What happens next to prevent a shutdown?
Speaker Mike Johnson announced the House will vote Thursday on a stopgap measure to keep the program running through July 2. Johnson stated, “We cannot allow that to go dark,” though he acknowledged the chances of passage appear slim.
President Trump said Friday he is interviewing five candidates with national security backgrounds for the permanent role. One possible replacement is Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada and former chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, according to a person familiar with the outreach.
Senate Democrat Mark Warner said he would only support a short-term extension if Aaron Lukas, the principal deputy director of national intelligence, serves as the acting leader. Trump has maintained that Pulte will serve a “very short term” in a “renovation role” to downsize the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, according to Johnson.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Section 702 of FISA?
It is a law that allows agencies including the NSA, CIA, and FBI to collect communications from foreign targets overseas without a warrant.
When does the current authority expire?
The law is set to lapse this Friday at midnight.
Who is Bill Pulte?
Pulte is a federal housing finance regulator appointed by President Trump as acting director of national intelligence starting June 19.
Do you believe national security tools should be linked to the confirmation of specific agency leaders?