Trump Nominates Jay Clayton for Director of National Intelligence

President Donald Trump has selected former SEC Chairman Jay Clayton to be the new Director of National Intelligence.

This announcement was made on Trump’s platform, Truth Social, after several Republicans expressed concerns over the nomination of Bill Pruitt, the Federal Housing Finance Agency Director, to serve as interim DNI.

The president commented, “Few people in the legal profession are as well-respected as Jay.” He went on to say, “I am pleased to announce that the highly respected Jay Clayton, former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, former head of Sullivan & Cromwell, and current attorney for the Southern District of New York, has been nominated to be the next Director of National Intelligence and, importantly, to my Cabinet.”

Clayton’s previous nomination was confirmed by the U.S. Senate with a vote of 61-37 for his role with the SEC. Trump encouraged swift confirmation, saying, “I urge the United States Senate to confirm Jay as soon as possible.”

Republican Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina expressed support for Clayton, calling him an “outstanding choice” for the position. He highlighted Clayton’s leadership experience and sound judgment, which he believes are essential for directing the nation’s intelligence agencies.

Tillis had been critical of Pruitt’s nomination, describing it as an “inflammatory attack dog,” suggesting it would struggle to pass the Senate.

Democrats have also voiced their intention to oppose any extensions of Pruitt’s or FISA surveillance authorizations.