The Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as the new director of national intelligence (DNI) on Tuesday, filling a critical national security post with a 51-47 vote. Clayton, a former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, will oversee all 18 American intelligence agencies.
The confirmation vote concluded more than a month of temporary leadership at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Republicans supported Clayton, arguing his experience leading the SEC and a major federal prosecuting office made him well-suited to address escalating threats from China, Iran, and Russia. They contended he possessed more experience than the acting intelligence director, Bill Pulte.
Democrats expressed a desire to replace Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, amid reports of layoffs at the ODNI. Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner had previously stated he was “anxious to get a permanent DNI” and described Pulte as one of the least qualified individuals for the role, although no Democrats voted to advance Clayton's nomination.
During his confirmation hearing, Clayton acknowledged he had not previously worked within the intelligence community but asserted that his experience managing large organizations and handling sensitive national security matters as U.S. attorney had prepared him for the position. He noted continuous interaction with intelligence community and counterterrorism officials on national security issues.
Clayton's nomination also faced scrutiny regarding subpoenas issued by his office to New York Times reporters seeking information about leaks concerning potential security vulnerabilities to Air Force One. The Justice Department later announced these subpoenas would be withdrawn.
President Trump nominated Clayton in June, calling him "one of the most respected" lawyers in the country.