President Trump announced on Thursday his intention to nominate Jay Clayton as the next director of national intelligence. Clayton is the current U.S. attorney in Manhattan and a former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Trump faced pressure to reconsider his appointment of Bill Pulte, a high-ranking housing official, as the acting director. Pulte was set to replace Tulsi Gabbard, who had stepped down last month.
Pulte’s appointment led to a halt in the congressional reauthorization of a key governmental surveillance authority. While Clayton’s nomination awaits Senate confirmation, it may not address Trump’s ongoing issues with Congress immediately.
The House rejected a three-week extension of the surveillance law on Thursday, which is set to expire just after midnight on Friday. With Congress currently on break, arranging a new vote before the deadline poses a challenge.
President Trump expressed urgency in his social media communications, urging the Senate to expedite Clayton’s confirmation. “Few people anywhere in the Legal Community are respected at the level of Jay,” Trump remarked.
This story is developing. Check back for further updates.
Julian E. Barnes reports on U.S. intelligence agencies and global security for The Times. With over two decades of experience, he has extensively covered security affairs.
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