Trump asks Congress for short-term FISA extension amid impasse over Pulte appointment

Trump frames a short-term extension of FISA 702 as essential to national security amid the dispute over Bill Pulte's appointment as acting DNI. With the authority due to expire Friday, the administration argues the extension would buy time to nominate and confirm a permanent leader of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Pulte, currently director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has drawn Democratic opposition over his lack of intelligence experience and past criminal referrals against Trump's political adversaries. Democrats have pledged to withhold support for reauthorizing Section 702 as long as Pulte heads the ODNI, while Republicans have urged faster resolution. The White House has held talks with House Speaker Mike Johnson, emphasizing the need for a temporary measure while a longer-term solution is pursued. Trump said Pulte would initiate staff downsizing at ODNI and reassign employees to their home agencies, while he searches for a permanent intelligence chief. Senate Republicans, led by Majority Leader John Thune, say a permanent nominee could unlock votes to pass FISA, but the process remains entangled. The episode highlights the partisan challenge of balancing national security authorities with ODNI leadership, complicating timely renewal.