
WASHINGTON — A powerful surveillance tool backed by national security hawks faces a risk of expiring this week after President Donald Trump moved to put it in the hands of an ally without a national security background. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. Trump tapped housing official Bill Pulte last week to replace Tulsi Gabbard on an acting basis as director of national intelligence.
Main Idea: Trump’s choice to make Bill Pulte acting intelligence chief is complicating efforts to renew a key U.S. surveillance law before it expires.
Key Points:
A FISA lapse could weaken some surveillance tools used to track foreign threats, which may raise security risks for households, workers, and communities.
If Congress adds privacy reforms, Americans could get more protection from warrantless spying and misuse of collected data.
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Central actor whose decision to elevate Bill Pulte drives the article and the FISA reauthorization standoff.
Major Democratic leader whose opposition is a key part of the article’s conflict.
Top House Republican participating in the central FISA meeting with Trump.
Major Senate Democratic leader whose statement underscores the bipartisan negotiations breakdown.
Major Republican leader shaping the renewal effort and public argument for Section 702.
Named official being replaced as director of national intelligence, which is central to the story.
Named Democrat taking a public position against reauthorization because of Pulte.
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Sign in to commentNamed senator commenting on the qualifications issue and the renewal stalemate.
Named senator giving a notable reaction to the Pulte announcement, but not a primary driver of the story.
Libertarian think tank cited in support of the argument that a lapse would not “go dark,” but not.