Trump asks Congress for short-term FISA extension amid impasse over Pulte appointment

Key Points:

• President Trump is requesting Congress to approve a short-term extension of the FISA Section 702 surveillance authority, which is set to expire Friday, citing its importance for military and national security during events like the World Cup and America250 celebrations.
• The extension request comes amid controversy over Trump's selection of Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence, a move opposed by Democrats and some Republicans due to Pulte's lack of national security experience.
• Democrats have vowed to withhold support for reauthorizing Section 702 as long as Pulte is in charge of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, citing his history of making criminal referrals against Trump's political opponents.
• Trump plans for Pulte to begin downsizing the ODNI by reverting staff to their home agencies, while he continues searching for a permanent director with national security experience.
• Senate GOP leaders, including Majority Leader John Thune, have urged Trump to appoint a permanent intelligence chief, indicating that this step is crucial to securing the votes needed to pass the FISA reauthorization.