Trump Stands by Decision to Name Pulte to Intel Role, Despite Revolt in Congress that Could Block Spy Powers Renewal
Democrats and some Republicans are blocking renewal until Trump replaces Bill Pulte, while far-right conservatives seek a warrant requirement for Americans’ communications.
- President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Bill Pulte will serve as acting director of national intelligence, complicating the bipartisan push to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before it expires Friday.
- Section 702 allows intelligence agencies to collect foreign communications without warrants and faces an expiration deadline while lawmakers remain divided over privacy reforms and Pulte's lack of national security experience.
- Democrats refuse to support reauthorization while Pulte remains in the role, citing his controversial tenure at the Federal Housing Finance Agency overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, where critics say he used sensitive information against political opponents.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson called his meeting with Trump on Tuesday "very productive," insisting Congress will pass FISA, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune encouraged the President to nominate a permanent successor for Senate confirmation.
- Far-Right conservatives like Rep. Warren Davidson continue demanding a warrant requirement for data collection on Americans, leaving little hope for long-term reauthorization before Friday's deadline despite the administration's national security arguments.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Trump names Bill Pulte to begin intelligence chief role earlier than expected
WASHINGTON, June 10 — US President Donald Trump yesterday said his controversial new pick to oversee US intelligence will begin June 19, earlier than expected.Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Bill Pulte will take over as acting director of national intelligence next Friday from Tulsi Gabbard.Gabbard said last month that she was stepping down to care for her cancer-stricken husband, and had initially planned to stay in the role until…
Trump stands by decision to name Pulte to intel role, despite revolt in Congress that could block spy powers renewal
Bill Pulte will begin serving as acting director of national intelligence in a week and a half, President Trump announced Tuesday, effectively standing by his decision to name the housing regulator and Trump loyalist to the job — as the appointment endangers a bipartisan compromise on renewing a key spy authority.Mr. Trump chose Pulte, who currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to replace outgoing Director of National Intelligence T…
Pulte Appointment Underscores Need To Reform Section 702 Spying
President Trump’s highly politicized appointment of an entirely unqualified acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) underscores why the government’s warrantless mass spying power must be reformed. Congress now faces a deadline of Friday, June 12 to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, an unconstitutional program rife with problems, loopholes, and compliance issues. Section…
Bill Pulte 'deeply unqualified' to lead U.S. intelligence efforts, Jeffries says
On Tuesday, the House passed a bill that will fund immigration and border enforcement agencies. The package passed in the Senate last week and heads to the president's desk. Attention now turns to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and Democrats are united in their opposition to it. Geoff Bennett spoke with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries about that vote and the Democratic agenda.
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