Trump nominates Jay Clayton to top intelligence post amid prior interim pick uproar

President Donald Trump has nominated Jay Clayton as the next Director of National Intelligence, a decision that comes amidst significant controversy surrounding his prior interim selection. Clayton, who currently serves as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and previously chaired the Securities and Exchange Commission during Trump's first term, was put forward for the permanent role on Thursday, June 10, 2026.

The nomination follows an uproar over Trump's previous interim pick for DNI, Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Pulte faced bipartisan criticism due to his lack of intelligence or national security experience, with his appointment leading to a congressional standoff. Democrats notably withheld support for renewing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) until a permanent nominee was named.

While Clayton's nomination has garnered bipartisan support, signaling a smoother confirmation process than for Pulte, he still requires Senate approval. A confirmation hearing is quickly scheduled for next Wednesday, although President Trump has indicated that Pulte will temporarily serve as acting DNI, starting June 19, after the resignation of outgoing Director Tulsi Gabbard.