Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) revealed Tuesday that the White House is actively considering a permanent nominee to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, a move that could break the Democratic standoff over expiring surveillance authorities. The current acting DNI, Bill Pulte, has faced bipartisan criticism for lacking intelligence credentials and allegedly weaponizing confidential data.
Speaking to reporters, Thune said he has been in contact with administration officials who are “weighing seriously” a long-term pick to replace Pulte. “I have not talked to the president but I’ve been in contact with somebody over there who cares a lot about this,” Thune noted, adding that he is hopeful a nomination will satisfy Democratic demands and clear the path for renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
Section 702, which authorizes warrantless surveillance of foreign targets, is set to expire Friday. Democrats blocked a procedural vote last week, insisting they will not extend the authority while Pulte remains DNI. Pulte, who also serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, has no significant national security background.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, called Pulte “grossly unqualified” and accused him of weaponizing access to private mortgage records to target Trump adversaries, including Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook and New York Attorney General Letitia James. “Nobody needs to tell me how important 702 is,” Warner said, “but I also know that someone who doesn’t even meet the basic qualifications of the law to be director of national intelligence shouldn’t be put in that position.”
Senior Republicans, including Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), have also questioned Pulte’s fitness for the role. The controversy has stalled FISA reauthorization, with House Democrats and even some GOP lawmakers urging Trump to drop Pulte. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) publicly called on the president to withdraw Pulte to salvage the surveillance program.
White House Strategy to Break the Impasse
Thune’s comments suggest the administration is exploring a compromise: nominating a confirmed, long-term DNI who could command bipartisan support. Thune has been pushing for FISA renewal but acknowledges Pulte’s appointment has eroded trust. “I think they’re weighing seriously a long-term pick,” Thune said, expressing hope that a permanent nominee would satisfy Democrats and allow the Senate to act before the deadline.
Democrats have made clear they view Pulte as a liability. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has blocked the bill in the lower chamber, demanding Trump remove Pulte. The standoff has national security implications, as intelligence officials warn that allowing Section 702 to lapse would hinder counterterrorism and cyber threat detection.
Thune did not offer a timeline for a potential nomination, but the Friday expiration date intensifies pressure on both parties. If the White House announces a permanent DNI pick soon, Senate leaders could move quickly to confirm the nominee and then take up FISA reauthorization. However, any nominee would need to navigate a confirmation process in a divided Senate, where Democrats hold enough seats to mount a challenge.
The episode underscores broader tensions over intelligence leadership and surveillance powers. Trump initially tapped Pulte as acting DNI amid reports he sought to investigate 2020 election fraud claims, raising concerns about politicizing intelligence agencies. For now, all eyes are on the White House to see if a permanent nominee materializes in time to rescue the expiring surveillance authority.
