As the expiration date for the controversial Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) draws near, there is one resounding question on everyone’s mind: where does the Trump administration stand on this issue?
Section 702 of FISA allows the National Security Agency (NSA) to conduct warrantless surveillance on Americans’ communications, as long as the target of the surveillance is a foreigner abroad. This law has been a source of heated debate and criticism since its enactment in 2008, with concerns surrounding privacy and constitutional rights.
The law is set to expire on December 31, 2017 if not renewed by Congress. However, while discussions and negotiations over the future of Section 702 are in full swing on Capitol Hill, the Trump administration has remained conspicuously silent on the matter.
This lack of transparency and accountability is deeply concerning, especially considering President Trump’s history of advocating for expanded government surveillance powers. During his campaign, Trump called for the “unlimited surveillance” of mosques and expressed support for the NSA’s controversial bulk data collection program.
In fact, just last year, Trump accused then-President Obama of using the NSA to spy on him during the election, a claim that has since been debunked.
Given these past statements, one would expect the Trump administration to have a strong stance on Section 702. But instead, they have chosen to remain silent, leaving the American public in the dark about their position on this crucial issue.
This silence is particularly alarming because it goes against the administration’s promise of transparency and openness. In fact, in April 2017, the White House released a statement claiming that “protecting individual privacy is a core value of our republic.” Yet, their lack of action and communication on Section 702 raises serious doubts about their true commitment to this principle.
Meanwhile, advocates and civil liberties groups have been sounding the alarm about the dangers of warrantless spying. They argue that the government’s surveillance powers should be limited and that any infringement on Americans’ privacy should be accompanied by proper oversight and judicial review.
In a statement to The Intercept, Sen. Ron Wyden, a vocal opponent of Section 702, said, “The Trump administration’s failure to address this issue with Congress is inexcusable. Opinions on the effectiveness of this surveillance aside, the fact remains that warrantless searches of Americans’ communications are unconstitutional and unacceptable.”
Furthermore, a bipartisan group of senators led by Republican Sen. Rand Paul and Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy introduced the USA Rights Act, a bill that aims to reform Section 702 by prohibiting the collection of Americans’ communications without a warrant. This legislation has gained support from civil liberties groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
Despite these efforts, the Trump administration has failed to present a coherent stance on the matter. This is especially concerning because, as president, Trump has the power to veto any efforts to reform or repeal Section 702.
In this critical moment, it is imperative that the Trump administration breaks its silence and provides a clear answer on its position regarding Section 702. The American people deserve to know where their government stands on this issue that directly impacts their privacy and civil liberties.
Some may argue that remaining silent on a controversial issue is a strategic move, allowing the administration to avoid any potential backlash from either side. However, in the case of Section 702, this silence is simply not acceptable. The American public has a right to know where their government stands on such a crucial issue.
In the absence of a definitive stance from the Trump administration, it is up to Congress to ensure that the renewal of Section 702 includes necessary reforms to protect Americans’ privacy. It is also the responsibility of the American people to hold their government accountable and demand transparency and accountability on this matter.
As the deadline for the expiration of Section 702 looms closer, it is crucial that the Trump administration breaks its silence and addresses the concerns surrounding this law. The American people deserve to know that their government is working in their best interest and protecting their constitutional rights. It’s time for the Trump administration to speak up and take a stand on Section 702.
