Trump sticks with Pulte for intel job as risk grows of lapse in spy powers

President Donald Trump has refused to replace acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, despite bipartisan calls for a permanent appointee, risking a lapse in Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that enables U.S. intelligence gathering abroad. The law expires Friday, and Democrats have conditioned its renewal on Trump withdrawing Pulte, who lacks relevant experience. Congressional leaders are attempting to pass short-term extensions, but passage remains uncertain.