Transcript: Lindsey Graham on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," June 21, 2026

Democratic Rep. Jason Crow voiced strong concerns regarding Bill Pulte's current role as acting Director of National Intelligence. Crow characterized Pulte as a "political attack dog" whose main qualification appears to be his loyalty to Donald Trump and his readiness to pursue Trump's adversaries.

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Well, I'm obviously concerned that this is somebody who's a political attack dog, and his single biggest qualification is that he's loyal to Donald Trump and is willing to go after Donald Trump's enemies.

Crow emphasized that this position, which oversees U.S. intelligence agencies, requires significant intelligence experience to ensure national security. He argued that Pulte lacks the necessary competence, raising worries about the daily risk to Americans due to an "incompetent" leader at the agency's helm.

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But my more immediate concern is the fact that this is a really important position. This sits atop our intelligence agencies. And by law Congress mandated this person have significant intelligence experience because they have to make sure that we're keeping Americans safe, which is not what Bill Pulte is capable of doing.

Regarding the reauthorization of FISA surveillance authority, Crow reiterated his opposition to trading Americans' constitutional rights, privacy, and civil liberties for a temporary extension. He criticized the administration's approach, comparing it to the demands of autocracies. Crow stated he is open to discussing necessary checks and balances but will not grant a three-year extension for the program without them.

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I'm just more worried day to day that Americans are at risk because we have someone who's incompetent at the head of this agency.