Trump Nominates Jay Clayton as Intelligence Chief After Backlash Over Bill Pulte

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Jay Clayton to serve as the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI), a move that follows mounting criticism from lawmakers over the temporary appointment of Bill Pulte.

Trump announced the nomination on Thursday, praising Clayton’s legal experience and urging the U.S. Senate to confirm him quickly. Clayton currently serves as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and previously chaired the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission during Trump’s earlier administration.

The nomination comes amid bipartisan concerns in Congress regarding Pulte’s temporary leadership of the U.S. intelligence community. Several lawmakers questioned his lack of intelligence, military, or national security experience, arguing that the position requires specialized expertise. The controversy has complicated ongoing negotiations over the renewal of key surveillance authorities under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

Pulte, who heads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, was appointed on an acting basis after the departure of former DNI Tulsi Gabbard. His appointment triggered opposition from both Democratic and some Republican lawmakers, who warned that the dispute could affect national security legislation moving through Congress.

By selecting Clayton, the White House appears to be moving toward a nominee with a more conventional résumé and one who may face fewer objections during the Senate confirmation process. However, lawmakers are expected to closely examine Clayton’s qualifications and plans for overseeing the nation’s intelligence agencies during upcoming confirmation hearings.

The Director of National Intelligence oversees the U.S. intelligence community, coordinating activities among agencies including the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and other intelligence organizations responsible for safeguarding national security.