A sweeping surveillance authority is in peril as President Trump refuses to back down from appointing Bill Pulte, a housing official with no intelligence background, as acting director of national intelligence. Critics argue his appointment makes reauthorisation of Section 702 impossible.

Section 702 allows the government to collect communications without warrants, but its legal authorization expires this Friday unless Congress acts. Reauthorisation requires 60 votes in the Senate where Republicans hold only 53 seats.

Congressional leaders have accused Pulte of being unqualified and ‘dangerous’, while some Republicans argue that other FISA authorities remain effective. The situation remains a deadlock, with no clear resolution on the horizon despite the looming deadline.