Trump backs 'clean extension' of warrantless surveillance powers

President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced his support for what he called a "clean extension" of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act's Section 702 powers, urging Republicans to unify behind the renewal.

"I am working very hard with our Great Speaker, Mike Johnson, along with Chairman Jim Jordan and Chairman Rick Crawford, to get a clean extension of FISA 702 through the House of Representatives this week," he posted on Truth Social. "I am asking Republicans to UNIFY, and vote together on the test vote to bring a clean Bill to the floor. We need to stick together when this Bill comes before the House Rules Committee today to keep it CLEAN!"

FISA Section 702 has come under scrutiny in recent years over the ability of the intelligence community to gather information on Americans without a warrant through its surveillance of foreigners. Trump addressed the record of abuse of those surveillance powers, including its alleged weaponization against him, but said the military need for the surveillance powers amid the Iran war meant it was worth the risk.

"While parts of FISA were illegally and unfortunately used against me in the Democrats’ disgraceful Witch Hunt and Attack in the RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA Hoax, and perhaps would be used against me in the future, I am willing to risk that as a Citizen in order to do what is right for our Country," he added. "Our Military desperately needs FISA 702, and it is one of the reasons we have had such tremendous SUCCESS on the battlefield, both in Venezuela and Iran."

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.