Graham Urges Trump to Drop Pulte DNI Pick as FISA Reauthorization Stalls Before 2026 World Cup
Updated
Updated · The Independent · Jun 22
Graham Urges Trump to Drop Pulte DNI Pick as FISA Reauthorization Stalls Before 2026 World Cup
3 articles · Updated · The Independent · Jun 22
Summary
Lindsey Graham publicly called on Donald Trump to withdraw Bill Pulte’s nomination for director of national intelligence and install Jay Clayton instead, signaling a break with one of the president’s closest Senate allies.
Graham said Trump derailed a bipartisan path by pulling Clayton’s nomination after Democrats refused to reauthorize FISA, then tying the surveillance law to voter-ID legislation that lacks the 60 Senate votes needed.
Pulte’s nomination has become a flashpoint because he lacks intelligence-community experience and, as acting DNI, could preside while FISA remains unresolved.
Intelligence lawmakers from both parties say renewing FISA is especially urgent during the 2026 World Cup, with millions of visitors in U.S. stadium cities despite officials saying there are no specific known threats.
The clash adds to a broader Senate Republican backlash against Trump, who has recently angered GOP lawmakers with failed incumbent endorsements, Iran ceasefire terms and pressure to weaken Senate rules.