Trump picks former SEC Chairman Jay Clayton as national intelligence director
Trump's announcement came after House Democrats' objections to his pick of Bill Pulte as acting chief ensured that a key national security tool expires Friday.
TL;DR
- President Trump announced his nomination of Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence.
- Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and former SEC chairman, requires Senate confirmation.
- The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence scheduled a confirmation hearing for Clayton on June 17.
- Trump's announcement followed controversy over his appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
- House Democrats' objections to Pulte's appointment led to the expiration of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
- Democrats have stated they will not approve the FISA extension without assurances that Pulte will not serve as acting DNI before Clayton's confirmation.
- Clayton has overseen high-profile federal criminal prosecutions and recently questioned the validity of primary election results in California.
- Senate leadership, including Majority Leader John Thune and Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner, expressed support for Clayton.