President Donald Trump has disrupted the confirmation of his intelligence chief nominee. This move jeopardizes the renewal of a vital surveillance program. The decision has created friction with Republican lawmakers. The situation leaves a temporary appointee in charge, raising concerns about national security experience. The future of the surveillance tool remains uncertain.

Donald Trump has likely killed efforts to renew a key piece of intelligence legislation in the process, too.

The president said he expects loyalist and controversial pick Bill Pulte to serve as the interim intelligence director until Clayton’s replacement at the Manhattan US Attorney’s…