Trump backs Pulte DNI move, seeks short-term FISA extension

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Trump backs Pulte DNI move

Highlights

Trump designates Pulte as acting DNI effective June 19 and seeks a short-term Section 702 FISA extension before its June 12 expiration.
Trump instructs Pulte to immediately downsize the DNI office and return staff to home agencies amid bipartisan criticism of the appointment.
Lawmakers debate Section 702's impact on U.S. citizen privacy, but supporters stress its security significance as U.S. tensions with Iran and FIFA World Cup commence.

Leadership plan and surveillance deadline

As first reported by CNBC, Trump said in a Truth Social post on Wednesday that Pulte will take over the acting DNI role on June 19 while the administration looks for a permanent nominee.

The president is pressing for a short-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which permits the government to collect communications of people outside the U.S., including when they are in contact with Americans. Without congressional action, the provision expires on June 12.

Trump criticizes Democrats who are threatening to withhold support for the extension over his decision to elevate Pulte. He says he has asked Pulte to carry out an immediate downsizing of the office and return staff to their home agencies.

Bipartisan concerns and national security stakes

Pulte currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and Trump's earlier move this month to tap him for the intelligence post triggers criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. Lawmakers from both parties also continue to voice concerns about Section 702 itself, arguing the program can lead to surveillance of U.S. citizens.

Supporters of the authority argue it remains an important national security tool, particularly as the U.S. conflict in Iran continues and the FIFA Men's World Cup opens this week with matches in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Trump says the law is important for the military and public safety, adding that a temporary extension would provide time to select and confirm a permanent head of the agency.

Our earlier coverage of North America’s hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup highlighted how the tournament could significantly boost U.S. sports-betting volumes as legal access expands and sportsbooks roll out more soccer-focused products. We also noted that prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket are adding competition—and regulatory friction—alongside growing calls for stronger compliance and responsible-gambling safeguards.

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