The recent lack of answers from the Trump administration, however, has left some lawmakers with deep concerns about the administration’s national security policy priorities, and whether President Donald Trump’s push for retribution against the national security establishment is taking precedence over a core national security program. The hearing should have been a routine stop for US officials to urge Congress to renew the 2008 statute. Senior national security officials have for years said Section 702 is critical to thwarting terror attacks, stemming the flow of fentanyl into the US and stopping ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure. The White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence didn’t respond to requests for comment. The recent Senate intelligence committee hearing showed Republicans urging the Trump administration to take a stance on the surveillance tool, the people briefed told CNN.

Source: CNN February 09, 2026 22:43 UTC