Trump Pressures Congress on FISA Ahead of World Cup: List of GOP Critics
President Donald Trump is pressuring Congress to renew a key surveillance law days before its June 12 expiration, warning it is critical for security during the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
But the push is colliding with resistance from both Republicans and Democrats, raising the possibility the program could lapse without action.
A growing group of GOP lawmakers who opposed a recent extension could prove decisive again.
The fight centers on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a powerful but controversial tool that allows U.S. intelligence agencies to monitor foreign communications.
Newsweek reached out to House Speaker Mike Johnson's office for comment via email.
What to Know
- FISA Section 702 expires June 12 at midnight without action
- Trump links renewal to World Cup security concerns
- Some Democrats oppose reauthorization over Bill Pulte's appointment
- Several Republicans are demanding warrant reforms
- Dozens of GOP House members already voted against a recent extension
What Is FISA? Its Controversial Provision Explained
FISA Section 702 authorizes U.S. intelligence agencies to collect electronic communications of foreign targets located outside the United States, even if those communications pass through American servers or involve Americans.
Proponents view it as a crucial counterterrorism tool, but critics have said it can be used to sweep up Americans’ communications and enable warrantless backdoor searches.
The CIA, NSA, FBI and other spy agencies are all covered by the act.
Congress in April passed a 45-day extension of FISA Section 702, now set to expire, after leaders struggled to gather support for a longer-term extension.
Which Republicans Voted Against an Extension Last Time?
Here is a look at every House Republican who voted against the 45-day FISA extension back in April. They will be closely watched ahead of the new FISA reauthorization battle.
- Nicholas Begich (Alaska)
- Sheri Biggs (South Carolina)
- Lauren Boebert (Colorado)
- Josh Brecheen (Oklahoma)
- Tim Burchett (Tennessee)
- Kat Cammack (Florida)
- Michael Cloud (Texas)
- Mike Collins (Georgia)
- Eli Crane (Arizona)
- Warren Davidson (Ohio)
- Troy Downing (Montana)
- Russell Fry (South Carolina)
- Russ Fulcher (Idaho)
- Paul Gosar (Arizona)
- Harriet Hageman (Wyoming)
- Diana Harshbarger (Tennessee)
- Clay Higgins (Louisiana)
- Mike Kennedy (Utah)
- Morgan Luttrell (Texas)
- Thomas Massie (Kentucky)
- Mary Miller (Illinois)
- Andy Ogles (Tennessee)
- Scott Perry (Pennsylvania)
- Chip Roy (Texas)
- Keith Self (Texas)
- Tom Tiffany (Wisconsin)
Republican Opposition to FISA Extension Now
Republicans like Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Lauren Boebert of Colorado have led conservative opposition to FISA. Massie, in April, described the provision as "unchecked government surveillance without adequate warrants or accountability" in a post on X.
Some Republicans are already indicating opposition to extending FISA.
Senator Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, told Punchbowl News on Tuesday he would not support a long-term FISA reauthorization without reforms.
"I'm tired of this, so there has to be some change," he said. "Go surveil foreigners. Quit surveilling us."
Senator Mike Lee, a Utah Republican, wrote in a post to X on Wednesday that he wants to see a warrant requirement.
"It's quite simple: include a warrant requirement protecting the 4th Amendment rights of American citizens from government spying, and we will reauthorize FISA immediately," he wrote.
Representative Scott Perry, a Pennsylvania Republican, wrote in a post to X on Tuesday that Americans "are sick of Big Brother freely snooping through their data."
Not all Republicans are against, though.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, said during a press conference on Tuesday that the legislation is "critical" to keeping the country secure and that it has stopped "numerous terrorist attacks."
"It's very, very concerning when you have the Democrats here in the United States Senate essentially saying we are not interested in reauthorizing this program, which will go dark at midnight on Friday if we don't take action," he said. "It would be alarming under any circumstance, but it's especially alarming now, given the fact that we are heading into a time when the U.S. starts hosting the World Cup, for example."
Donald Trump's FISA Message
Trump on Wednesday accused Democrats of "trying to take our National Security hostage because of unrelated issues" after some Democrats had indicated they would not reauthorize FISA due to the appointment of Bill Pulte, who oversees the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as acting director of national intelligence over concerns about his experience on national security issues and involvement in making mortgage fraud accusations against Fed Governor Lisa Cook.
Trump doubled down on the nomination on Wednesday.
"I have named William Pulte to be Acting Director of National Intelligence, who will take over on June 19th, and have asked him to execute the immediate and needed downsizing of the office, reverting staff to their home agencies. At the same time, I am looking for a permanent [Office of the Director of National Intelligence] Nominee with experience in National Security," he wrote.
He continued, "FISA 702 is very important to our Military, and keeping the American People safe, especially during the World Cup and America250 Celebrations. If nothing is done, this important Law will expire this week.”
He asked Congress for a short-term FISA extension to allow more time to confirm a permanent director.
Democrats Not Sold on FISA, Pulte
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, has said he would withhold support for FISA reauthorization if Pulte leads the agency. His opposition could mean other Democrats may follow. Given Republicans' slim House majority and the number of Republicans in opposition to FISA reauthorization, some Democratic support would likely be needed for its renewal.
He discussed his opposition to FISA reauthorization with PBS News this week.
"Bill Pulte is deeply unqualified to serve as acting director of national intelligence, and he’s deeply dangerous. He’s got no national security experience, no military experience and no law enforcement experience," he said.
He added that Pulte is "someone who has fully demonstrated a willingness to weaponize the federal government against Donald Trump's perceived adversaries."
"Under no circumstances should we trust the privacy interests or national security interests of the American people with Bill Pulte, on top of Donald Trump and Kash Patel," Jeffries said.
Representative Delia Ramirez, an Illinois Democrat, said she’s against 702 itself.
"Trump’s administration has made it clear that they will weaponize and abuse every authority to target dissent and persecute whoever they consider a public enemy. Our communities are already over-policed and over-surveilled. Without significative reform, I am a HELL NO on FISA. We will not sacrifice our rights!" she wrote in a post to X.
What Happens Next
- Congress must act before midnight June 12
- Short-term extension vs. lapse showdown still unresolved
- GOP defections + Democratic opposition complicate path
- Senate must clear 60-vote threshold
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This story was originally published June 10, 2026 at 11:08 AM.