Trump sticks with Pulte as risk grows of lapse in spy powers
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- President Trump resists calls from both parties to replace acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, whose lack of experience has led Democrats to withhold support for renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
- The FISA law, which allows U.S. agencies to collect foreign intelligence without a warrant, is set to expire at midnight Friday, risking a lapse in intelligence gathering amid major events like the World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
- Trump requested a short-term extension of FISA to allow time for selecting a permanent director but insists on keeping Pulte as acting head while pursuing agency downsizing, prompting bipartisan opposition.
- Congressional Republicans have urged Trump to nominate a permanent replacement quickly, with Pete Hoekstra among potential candidates, but Trump has yet to make a formal nomination.
- Senate Democrats and some Republicans remain firm that Pulte must be withdrawn due to his controversial record and lack of intelligence background, making passage of any FISA extension uncertain.