Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Trump's NSA Pick Supports Surveillance Powers
Joshua Rudd, who President Trump wants to lead the NSA, said he supports a law that lets the government watch foreigners using U.S. internet stuff.
But he didn't say clearly if he thinks they should get a judge's okay before watching Americans.
Some senators weren't happy with his answer.
This law is up for renewal soon, and people are arguing about whether it should be changed to require more permission for watching Americans.
Rudd is currently a high-ranking officer in the U.S. military's Pacific Command.
Joshua Rudd, Trump's NSA nominee, supports Section 702 surveillance powers introduced post-9/11.
Rudd remained noncommittal on whether warrants would be required for U.S. surveillance.
Section 702 allows NSA to surveil foreigners abroad using U.S. digital infrastructure.
A 2024 proposal to require judicial sign-off before searching data failed in the House by one vote.
Rudd currently serves as the No. 2 at the U.S. military’s Indo-Pacific Command.
- Who
- U.S. Army Lieutenant General Joshua Rudd, President Donald Trump’s pick to head the National Security Agency
- What
- Endorsed Section 702 surveillance powers, remained vague on warrant requirements for U.S. surveillance
- When
- Confirmation hearing on Thursday, renewal up for debate in April
- Where
- U.S. Senate committee
- Why
- Section 702 powers are up for congressional renewal, debate over domestic surveillance
- Section 702
- Allows NSA to surveil foreigners abroad using U.S. digital infrastructure
- Surveillance Powers
- Introduced post-9/11, up for renewal in April
- Joshua Rudd
- Trump's nominee for NSA director, currently No. 2 at Indo-Pacific Command
- Warrant Requirement
- Rudd vague on whether warrants needed for U.S. surveillance
- Congressional Debate
- 2024 proposal to require judicial sign-off failed by one vote
