Trump Nominating Prosecutor Jay Clayton to Be Next Director of National Intelligence

Updated on: June 11, 2026 / 6:24 PM EDT / CBS News

Trump Nominating Prosecutor Jay Clayton to Be Next Director of National Intelligence

TL;DR

  • President Trump nominated Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, as the next director of national intelligence.
  • The nomination aims to resolve a stalemate over extending warrantless surveillance authority under Section 702 of FISA, set to expire soon.
  • Clayton previously served as the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission (2017-2020).
  • Democrats, including Senator Mark Warner, have expressed opposition to extending FISA with Bill Pulte as acting director, despite respect for Clayton.
  • The Senate Select Intelligence Committee scheduled a confirmation hearing for Clayton on June 17.
  • Concerns exist about Clayton's national security experience, as the law requires it for the DNI position.