Jay Clayton nominated as US Director of National Intelligence

President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Jay Clayton, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and former SEC chairman, as the permanent Director of National Intelligence (DNI). The nomination comes as Tulsi Gabbard has resigned and Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, continues as acting DNI.

The Senate Intelligence Committee has set a confirmation hearing for June 17, and Senate leaders say they will move quickly on the paperwork. Democrats are withholding support for the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act until the Pulte appointment is withdrawn. Trump praised Clayton, saying, “Few people anywhere in the legal community are respected at the level of Jay.” Clayton’s background includes a long career at Sullivan & Cromwell, leading the SEC during Trump’s first term, and experience in corporate law and cybersecurity.

If confirmed, Clayton would oversee coordination of 18 intelligence agencies, replacing the interim leadership and ending the current standoff in Congress over intelligence oversight.