President Donald Trump indicated Thursday that he was considering using an executive order to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act after Congress failed to pass a temporary extension of the program this week.

The House failed in its latest attempt to extend the surveillance program earlier Thursday and the powers are set to expire Friday.

“Congress wants me to do it,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “Let’s see what happens. It’s very important for our military.”

The House voted 218-198 against an extension of the spy powers, which allow for the warrantless surveillance of foreigners abroad, with 19 Republicans siding with Democrats. The next vote on the program is scheduled for later this month.

The standoff comes as Section 702 has long-faced scrutiny from privacy hawks over the possibility that the Intelligence Community may gather information on Americans in the process. Critics also want the government to seek warrants before it can review any information collected on Americans who communicate with foreign targets, according to The Hill.

Trump has urged Congress to pass a temporary extension of the powers, maintaining that it is important for the U.S. military and intelligence community.

"Just like they did on border funding, the Radical Left Dumocrats are trying to take our National Security hostage because of unrelated issues," Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday. "They should stop playing politics with the safety of our Great Country.  

“FISA 702 is very important to our Military, and keeping the American People safe, especially during the World Cup and America250 Celebrations,” he added.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.