U.S NewsThe Washington TimesFri, Jun 12, 2026, 7:20 PMNegative

White House aide: Trump can't single-handedly restore FISA spy power after Congress lets it expire

The White House has indicated that President Trump cannot unilaterally restore the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) spy powers after Congress allowed them to expire. This lapse occurred following the House's failure to pass a short-term extension, which has raised concerns about the implications for national security and intelligence operations.

White House aide: Trump can't single-handedly restore FISA spy power after Congress lets it expire

WPN Brief

  • What Happened

    The White House has indicated that President Trump cannot unilaterally restore the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) spy powers after Congress allowed them to expire. This lapse occurred following the House's failure to pass a short-term extension, which has raised concerns about the implications for national security and intelligence operations.

  • Why It Matters

    The expiration of FISA Section 702 is significant as it limits the government's ability to conduct warrantless surveillance on foreign targets, a critical tool for intelligence gathering. The White House's reluctance to issue an executive order highlights the complexities of navigating legislative authority and executive power.

  • The Bigger Picture

    This situation reflects ongoing tensions between the executive branch and Congress regarding surveillance powers, with debates intensifying over the balance of national security and civil liberties. The appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence has further complicated discussions, as stakeholders grapple with the implications of surveillance authority in the current political climate.

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The Hill
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Trump mulls executive order on spy powers: 'Let's see what happens'

President Trump indicated the possibility of issuing an executive order to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) after Congress failed to pass a temporary extension. This statement was made during an Oval Office interaction, highlighting the urgency of the situation as the surveillance program is set to expire soon.

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NBC News
Jun 11

FISA spying power scheduled to expire as House fails to extend it before leaving town

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702, which allows for warrantless surveillance, is set to expire as the U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass an extension before recessing. This decision comes amid ongoing tensions between Congress and President Donald Trump regarding the appointment of Bill Pulte as the acting Director of National Intelligence.

U.S Newsnegative
The Wall Street Journal
Jun 10

President Trump called on Congress to pass a short-term extension of a federal surveillance program that is set to expire at the end of the week

President Trump has called on Congress to pass a short-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which is set to expire soon. This request comes amid concerns regarding his appointment of Bill Pulte as the acting Director of National Intelligence, which has sparked controversy and opposition from Senate Democrats.

U.S Newsneutral
The Guardian
Jun 12

A powerful US surveillance law is set to expire – what happens now?

Congress has failed to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which is set to expire, amid significant scrutiny over its implications for privacy and surveillance practices in the U.S. This situation has been exacerbated by President Donald Trump's controversial appointment of Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence, which has drawn bipartisan criticism.

U.S Newsneutral
The Washington Times
Jun 11

Foreign surveillance law set to expire as Congress leaves town after rejecting extensions

Congress has left Washington without renewing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), specifically Section 702, which is set to expire soon, resulting in a significant reduction of powers for America's spy network that are crucial for preventing terrorist activities.

U.S Newsnegative
NPR
Jun 12

A key U.S. spy tool has lapsed — now what?

The expiration of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) has left the U.S. government without a critical tool for warrantless surveillance, which has been essential for over 60% of the president's daily intelligence briefings. Congress's failure to renew this provision has raised concerns about national security and the ability to monitor foreign threats effectively.

U.S Newsneutral
Fox News
Jun 11

Spy law used to stop Taylor Swift attack to lapse as Congress skips town, World Cup nears

Congress has failed to extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702, which is set to expire, amid ongoing tensions related to President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as the acting Director of National Intelligence. This lapse raises concerns about the future of warrantless surveillance capabilities in the U.S.

U.S Newsnegative
Fox News
Jun 10

Trump concession breathes new life into stalled FISA spy powers deal

President Trump has made a concession regarding Bill Pulte's role as acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI), which may help revive the stalled reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) as Congress approaches a critical deadline.

U.S Newsneutral
ABC News
Jun 11

FISA spy program at risk over Trump's pick of Pulte for director of national intelligence

President Trump has appointed Bill Pulte as the Acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI), a decision that has raised concerns about the future of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702, which allows for warrantless surveillance. This move has led to fears of a potential lapse in U.S. intelligence-gathering capabilities abroad.

U.S Newsnegative

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