Rep. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, sharply condemned President Donald Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, calling it the “worst and most dangerous” staffing decision in the intelligence community.
What happened
On June 7, 2026, during an interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Himes criticized Pulte’s lack of national security experience. Pulte, previously the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, was appointed amid growing bipartisan concern about the future of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a program critical for warrantless surveillance targeting foreign intelligence threats.
This program, which helps disrupt terrorist plots, foreign espionage, and cyber threats, is set to expire on June 9 after Congress failed to pass a long-term reauthorization. The Senate blocked an extension last week, citing worries about warrantless surveillance of Americans. The House had passed a three-year extension in April, but the bill stalled due to unrelated legislative disputes.
Himes said the timing of Pulte’s appointment, just days before the expiration of Section 702, effectively removes any chance of reauthorization. He warned the administration’s decision could jeopardize national security and alienate lawmakers from supporting the surveillance program in the future.
Why it matters
Section 702 is essential for U.S. intelligence agencies to collect foreign intelligence data without a warrant, helping thwart threats to national security. Losing its authority could create significant intelligence gaps. Pulte’s appointment, seen by many as politically motivated and lacking relevant expertise, threatens bipartisan cooperation on extending the program, increasing risks to ongoing intelligence operations.
With key senators urging the White House to prepare for a potential lapse in Section 702 and consider alternative intelligence strategies, leadership in the Intelligence Community under Pulte has caused alarm among lawmakers and intelligence officials alike.
Background
Bill Pulte, known for his role in housing finance, has faced bipartisan criticism since his appointment as acting director of national intelligence. The reauthorization of Section 702 has been a contentious issue, with debates over civil liberties and national security. Previously, Congress extended the law short-term, but now faces a deadline that coincides with Pulte’s controversial leadership arrival.
Republican Sens. Tom Cotton and Chuck Grassley recently wrote to Secretary of State Marco Rubio requesting preparations for a surveillance gap if Section 702 is not renewed. The Trump administration faces pressure to either reconsider Pulte’s appointment or risk the potential fallout from a lapse in critical intelligence capabilities.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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