Jay Clayton Nominated as U.S. Director of National Intelligence

President Donald Trump announced the nomination of U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton to serve as Director of National Intelligence after intense congressional backlash over his earlier pick, Bill Pulte. Pulte, a real‑estate executive with no intelligence background, was serving as acting director and faced criticism that threatened the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The House indicated it would not renew the surveillance authority, which expires Friday, unless the nomination dispute is resolved. Trump praised Clayton on Truth Social, stating, “Few people anywhere in the Legal Community are respected at the level of Jay,” and described him as an “incredible talent.” Clayton, former SEC chairman, has prosecuted high‑profile cases including the Epstein file releases and a narco‑terrorism indictment of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the confirmation hearing will be expedited to address the looming deadline.

The nomination aims to break the standoff and secure continuity of U.S. intelligence leadership and surveillance powers.