Trump is pushing for a “clean” 18-month extension of FISA Section 702 surveillance with no warrant requirement for searching Americans' communications — a complete reversal from his April 2024 Truth Social post: “KILL FISA, IT WAS ILLEGALLY USED AGAINST ME, AND MANY OTHERS. THEY SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN!!!”
Now that Trump controls the surveillance apparatus, he wants to preserve it. His April 2026 post: “When used properly, FISA is an effective tool to keep Americans safe. I have called for a clean 18-month extension.” Most remarkably: “I am willing to risk the giving up of my Rights and Privileges as a Citizen for our Great Military and Country!”
The Iran war is being weaponized to push renewal before the April 20 expiration deadline. National security officials warn the U.S. will “go blind” during a war without it. White House adviser Stephen Miller and CIA Director John Ratcliffe led “eleventh-hour” lobbying with classified briefings and a White House dinner for GOP holdouts.
Meanwhile, FBI searches of Americans' data are up 34% — 7,413 searches (December 2024-November 2025) versus 5,518 the prior year. Foreign targets have risen to roughly 350,000. The Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) was “effectively gutted” when Trump reentered office. Rep. Raskin: “The safeguards put in place in 2024 have been badly eroded by the Trump Administration.”
Even right-leaning outlets are critical. The Daily Caller headlined: “Trump Sides With Deep State, Signals Intent To Preserve Spy Tool That Snarled His First Term.” The Cato Institute fact-checked Trump's claim that 702 only targets foreigners, noting Americans' communications are systematically swept up.