Trump criticized for backing a spy tool he once criticized

President Donald Trump announced support for a clean extension of FISA 702, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act section, citing military concerns and national security importance.

Trump urged Republicans to unify behind the legislation in a Truth Social post.

Political commentators seized on the apparent contradiction, noting Trump previously claimed to be a victim of politically motivated surveillance under FISA.

"Trump -- who claimed (validly) that he was the victim of politically motivated spying -- is now demanding an extension of domestic spying powers under FISA 702 with no reforms: just as Obama, Biden, Pelosi and Mike Johnson demanded," he continued, "Beautiful bipartisan Deep State service," author and columnist Glenn Greenwald wrote on X.

Political commentator, writer and filmmaker Anurag Punetha criticized Trump for calling surveillance a "witch hunt," noting the irony in his statement, "Then suddenly, privacy becomes sacred, Constitution becomes poetry, and institutions become 'deep state.' But the real irony? A President admitting the system can be abused —and still asking for it to be strengthened without reform."

Social media critics contrasted Trump's previous opposition to surveillance powers with his current advocacy for their expansion.

"Remember when they weaponized FISA against Trump?" Internet personality and political commentator Wolfie posted on X.

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