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President Donald Trump urged the Senate to quickly confirm Jay Clayton, the former SEC chairman and current U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, after pushback over Bill Pulte’s acting appointment.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump on Thursday nominated Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to serve as the next director of national intelligence.
Trump announced the decision in a Truth Social post, saying Clayton would also serve in his Cabinet if confirmed by the Senate.
“I am pleased to announce the Nomination of very Highly Respected Jay Clayton, former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the former Head of Sullivan & Cromwell, one of the most prominent and successful Law Firms anywhere in the World, and the current United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, to be the next Director of National Intelligence and, importantly, to serve in my Cabinet,” Trump wrote.
“Few people anywhere in the Legal Community are respected at the level of Jay. I encourage the United States Senate to confirm Jay as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he added.
Clayton’s nomination came after Trump faced bipartisan criticism over his decision to name Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence. Lawmakers from both parties questioned Pulte’s lack of intelligence experience, and Democrats tied their opposition to a short-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to Pulte’s temporary appointment. The House rejected that short-term extension Thursday.
Trump had said Pulte’s role would be temporary while the White House searched for a permanent nominee. Reports indicate Pulte is expected to continue serving as acting DNI until Clayton’s nomination is reviewed by the Senate.
Clayton served as SEC chairman during Trump’s first term and later became the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan. He also previously led the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell.
The director of national intelligence oversees coordination across the U.S. intelligence community, including agencies involved in national security, counterterrorism, cyber threats and foreign intelligence collection. The position requires Senate confirmation.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly recommended Clayton for the intelligence post.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Clayton is viewed as qualified to handle the responsibilities of the office.
“I think he’s considered to be a very qualified professional with a great skill set for managing a complex problem set,” Thune said. “We will try to get him up and considered as soon as possible.”
Clayton has also reportedly overseen a review of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Prosecutors under his office brought a case against Nicolás Maduro, who was then the leader of Venezuela.
The nomination places Clayton at the center of a high-stakes confirmation process as the administration seeks to stabilize leadership at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and resolve disputes over surveillance authorities. Reuters reported that it remains unclear whether the nomination will ease Democratic opposition connected to Section 702, which is set to expire soon.
If confirmed, Clayton would replace the temporary leadership arrangement following Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation from the DNI role. Trump has urged the Senate to move quickly on the nomination.
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