Key facts
- President Donald Trump is blocking the confirmation of Jay Clayton, his nominee for Director of National Intelligence.
- Trump is also blocking the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
- The president demands the passage of his voter ID bill, the SAVE America Act, in exchange for confirming Clayton and renewing FISA.
- Senate Republicans are divided, with some willing to defy Trump's demands.
- Bill Pulte will continue as acting Director of National Intelligence.
President Donald Trump has derailed a U.S. Senate plan to pass a key national security bill this week, creating a rift with Senate Republicans. Trump is blocking the confirmation of his nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Jay Clayton, and the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). He is demanding the passage of his voter ID bill, the SAVE America Act, in exchange for these actions.
This move has postponed Clayton's confirmation hearing, with Republicans hoping for a swift approval. Senator Thom Tillis criticized the president's action, stating it undermines efforts to achieve Trump's desired outcomes. This is the latest in a series of instances where Trump's demands have disrupted Senate Republican legislative plans, including stalling a $70 billion immigration bill with an "antiweaponization" fund and demanding concessions tied to his White House ballroom and the SAVE America Act.
Senate Republicans are increasingly pushing back against Trump's more extreme demands, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune deeming the inclusion of the SAVE America Act in the FISA bill unrealistic. This has deepened the division between Trump and Senate Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections. Senator Rick Scott, however, believes that Americans desire election security and voter ID measures.
Trump's selection of Bill Pulte as acting intelligence chief has drawn criticism for his lack of national security experience, leading Democrats to boycott the FISA legislation extension. Trump's consistent disregard for traditional legislative deal-making and his actions, such as unseating Republican incumbents, have eroded trust within the party, according to Senator John Cornyn. President Trump's approval ratings have also seen a decline.