Trump Backs Section 702 Reauthorization After Once Calling To 'KILL FISA' |
FISA
Trump Backs Section 702 Reauthorization After Once Calling To 'KILL FISA'
The president is much less concerned about the law's potential for overreach now that he's in charge of the government wielding it.
Joe Lancaster | 3.27.2026 11:15 AM
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(Illustration: Midjourney)
This week, President Donald Trump called on Congress to reauthorize a provision of federal law that allows the government to spy on noncitizens but can easily be used against citizens, as well. Lawmakers, including previously skeptical Republicans, have fallen in line and now support it.
"Section 702 is a key provision of the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 that permits the government to conduct targeted surveillance of foreign persons located outside the United States, with the compelled assistance of electronic communication service providers, to acquire foreign intelligence information," according to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Government agents can then easily comb through any of that data, without needing to get a warrant at any point in the process.
It also includes a built-in sunset clause, meaning the law will automatically be repealed unless Congress votes to reauthorize it every few years. It was last reauthorized in 2024, and it's up for renewal again, or else it will sunset on April 20. Some lawmakers want changes before agreeing to renew, while others, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R–La.), want to pass a temporary extension that renews the law as-is.
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