Trump stands by Pulte for DNI, asks Congress for short FISA extension

President Donald Trump doubled down on Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, despite bipartisan criticism that could let a key foreign surveillance program lapse this week. Trump called on Congress to pass a short-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Pulte, who leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has used his position to launch probes into several of Trump's political opponents over mortgage-related allegations. The pick drew swift criticism from both sides of the aisle. Democrats vowed to withhold support for a FISA extension unless Trump withdrew Pulte or named a permanent nominee.

Trump was unfazed. He attacked Democrats in a post on TruthSocial, accusing them of holding national security hostage over unrelated issues.

In the same post, Trump said he is looking for a permanent DNI nominee. In the meantime, Pulte would take over on June 19. Trump said he asked Pulte to execute an immediate downsizing of the office, reverting staff to their home agencies.

Section 702 allows the government to collect communications of people outside the U.S., including when they interact with Americans. The program has critics on both sides who worry about surveillance of U.S. citizens. Proponents argue it is a crucial national security tool, especially as the U.S. conflict in Iran continues and the FIFA Men's World Cup kicks off this week with games in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Without congressional action, the program expires June 12. Trump wrote that FISA 702 is very important to the military and keeping Americans safe, especially during the World Cup and America250 celebrations. He asked Congress to send him a short-term extension to allow time for selecting and confirming a permanent head of the agency.