Key spy power on verge of lapsing after Trump appoints controversial intel chief

Washington — Democrats have accused President Trump of throwing a grenade into negotiations to renew a key spy authority — known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act — set to expire Friday. Members of Congress in both parties have been critical of Mr. Trump's decision to appoint housing regulator Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence . Pulte, who also leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, lacks experience in national security and intelligence matters. …