If that was ever the case, technological change and the Patriot Act have transformed the remit of the NSA. It’s not so much “bad actors” as legitimized mission creep, but with periodic jumps. Much constitutional respect fell away during Hayden’s tenure as Director.
Congress has absolutely failed to exercise its oversight role, for certain; but that’s no surprise when the Intel State ensures that “friendlies” occupy key positions, particularly on the Senate Intel C’tee. The only time SIC gets energized is when it discovers its own members are targeted for electronic surveillance. It’s a shitshow, but what isn’t in this country?