Trump Allows Key Surveillance Law to Expire Amid High Terror Threat
9 reported
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned five days ago that the terrorist threat level is the “highest it’s ever been,” according to a report from washingtonmonthly.com. The same report states that President Donald Trump allowed Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to expire on June 12 after Congress passed two short-term extensions in April. Section 702 permits warrantless surveillance targeting foreign suspects, with incidental collection of communications involving Americans. The law’s expiration followed Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence, a move criticized by both parties. Trump later nominated U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the permanent role but canceled a Senate hearing for him on June 17, delaying the nomination. Trump also posted on Truth Social that he would not approve FISA without the Save America Act, a voter ID bill that faces a Senate filibuster. The Section 702 program continues to operate under a current certification lasting until March 17, 2027, but lawmakers worry about future challenges from telecommunications companies.
What’s reported
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the terrorist threat level is the “highest it’s ever been” five days ago on Fox News Sunday.
Section 702 of FISA, which allows warrantless surveillance of foreign suspects, expired on June 12 after a short-term extension ended.
Congress passed two short-term extensions in April; the last one ended June 12.
President Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence; Pulte has no national security experience and has been criticized by both parties.
On June 11, 199 Democrats and 19 Republicans in the House rejected a temporary extension of Section 702.
Trump nominated U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for permanent Director of National Intelligence on June 11, but canceled his Senate hearing on June 17.
Trump posted on Truth Social that he will not approve FISA without the Save America Act, a voter ID bill that passed the House in February but faces a Senate filibuster.
The Section 702 program is still functioning under a certification that lasts until March 17, 2027.
A domestic plot targeting pro-Israel lawmakers at a June 14 Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House was recently thwarted by the FBI.
Key figures
Markwayne Mullin, Homeland Security Secretary
Donald Trump, President
Bill Pulte, acting Director of National Intelligence
Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney nominated for permanent Director of National Intelligence
John Thune, Senate Majority Leader
Sources: washingtonmonthly.com
