Trump backs extending spy programme

Congress is set to take up the reauthorisation of a divisive programme that lets US spy agencies pore over foreigners’ calls, texts and emails, with supporters like President Donald Trump saying it has saved lives while critics point to longstanding concerns about warrantless surveillance of Americans.

A key provision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) permits the CIA, National Security Agency, FBI and other agencies to collect and analyse vast amounts of overseas communications without a warrant.

It incidentally sweeps up the conversations of any Americans who interact with those foreigners targeted for surveillance.

The programme expires Monday, and critics want changes, including a requirement for warrants before authorities can access the emails, phone calls or text messages of Americans. They also want limits on the Government’s use of internet data brokers, who sell large volumes of personal information gleaned online, offering the Government what critics say amounts to an end-run around the Constitution.

Despite bipartisan criticism, the chances of significant reforms dropped when Trump announced his support for the programme’s renewal, saying it had proven its worth in supplying information vital to recent US actions in Venezuela and Iran. “The fact is, whether you like FISA or not, it is extremely important to our military,” Trump said on social media.