Trump and Speaker Johnson Meet to Resolve FISA Reauthorization Standoff

President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson convened at the White House as the deadline approaches to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a program crucial to U.S. counterterrorism efforts. The meeting aims to secure an agreement before the program’s current legal authorization expires, which would mark the first lapse in its history.

Section 702 permits intelligence agencies to collect communications from foreigners located abroad, including interactions involving Americans, without a warrant. The program, originally enacted in 2008, has been reauthorized by Congress three times. Lawmakers stress its role in thwarting terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, but the current renewal process faces delays tied to disputes over the acting director of national intelligence.

The White House’s nomination of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence has sparked pushback on Capitol Hill due to his lack of experience in intelligence, as he previously led the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Republicans have largely defended Pulte’s appointment as the president’s prerogative, with Speaker Johnson emphasizing to reporters that the decision rests with Trump, who is evaluating options for a more permanent nominee to lead the office.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise highlighted that Trump and Johnson are discussing final terms for the FISA deal, emphasizing the program’s importance for homeland security. Johnson noted that while the House approved reauthorization months ago, the Senate has yet to take final action, working instead on a bipartisan compromise requiring broad support.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated that the White House is seriously considering naming a permanent director of national intelligence, as Pulte’s acting tenure is limited to a finite period without Senate confirmation. Thune has not spoken directly to Trump but is in contact with White House officials involved in the process, suggesting efforts to overcome the impasse and secure the renewal promptly.