Trump Names Acting DNI Amid FISA Debate
President Donald Trump has confirmed that William (Bill) Pulte, the Administrator of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, will continue in his role as acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI) while discussions regarding Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) unfold.
Amidst this ongoing situation, Republicans plan to push for a permanent nominee, Jay Clayton, aiming to reduce tensions, although Democrats have hesitated to move forward with a vote—keeping Pruitt in the acting role as the deadline approaches.
FISA 702 expired last Friday but provisions for intelligence gathering can remain effective until March 2027 due to court authorization.
Trump appointed Pruitt on June 2, intending for him to step in for Tulsi Gabbard, the current DNI, who will resign by June 30. Importantly, Pulte’s role did not require Senate confirmation. He has expressed a desire to limit the size of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence during his brief tenure.
Democratic lawmakers have voiced opposition to extending the FISA provisions, pointing out that Trump’s recent security-related appointments feel somewhat coercive. Critics also highlight Pulte’s limited experience in national security issues.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump remarked on the Democrats’ hesitance to approve the bill while Republicans are compromising on Pruitt’s nomination to ensure FISA 702 gets through.
“Now Democrats are saying they will vote against FISA, which means Republicans have finally fulfilled their promise and Democrats have broken the deal,” he said.
Notably, a week prior, Trump had nominated Jay Clayton, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, for the permanent DNI position, and a Senate confirmation hearing has been scheduled. Trump noted that Senate Republicans expedited Clayton’s confirmation process, suggesting Pulte may not be around by the time the Democrats cast their votes on FISA.
Trump further stated he would delay the confirmation hearing until Clayton’s successor is confirmed.
Additionally, Trump appointed James MacDonald to replace Clayton, though he expressed concerns about MacDonald’s confirmation facing potential roadblocks due to a “blue slip” issue, which usually allows state senators to influence certain appointments.
“Today’s Senate hearing on the confirmation of great patriot Jay Clayton, RE:DNI, has been canceled and will not proceed until Jamie McDonald is confirmed as United States Attorney. In the meantime, Bill Pelt will remain Acting Director of National Intelligence,” Trump clarified.
Trump has added another layer to the FISA 702 discussions, stating he won’t approve it unless the SAVE America Act, which mandates identification and citizenship to vote in federal elections, is also passed.
“To add a little bit of intrigue, in the national interest and in the interest of our people, I will not authorize FISA unless the American Rescue Act goes along with it. It’s not complicated, but the reality is that Republicans have fallen into a trap,” he remarked.
