President Trump has nominated former Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Jay Clayton to serve as Director of National Intelligence. The move replaces outgoing chief Tulsi Gabbard and follows controversy over an acting appointment.
Trump announced the nomination on Thursday via Truth Social. He described Clayton as highly respected in the legal community and urged the Senate to confirm him quickly. Clayton currently serves as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and previously led the SEC from 2017 to 2020.
Gabbard is scheduled to leave office at the end of June. She cited her husband's treatment for a rare form of bone cancer as the reason for stepping down.
The nomination comes after Trump named Bill Pulte as acting director. That decision drew criticism from Democrats over Pulte's lack of national security experience and concerns about potential misuse of intelligence. The backlash contributed to the House failing to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before its expiration on Friday. Lawmakers are set to return the week of June 22.
Clayton requires Senate confirmation to assume the permanent role.
