President Donald Trump announced June 11 that he is nominating Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to serve as the next director of national intelligence (DNI).
In a Truth Social post, Trump described Clayton as “very Highly Respected” and praised his leadership of the SEC, the federal agency responsible for regulating U.S. securities markets and enforcing securities laws, from 2017 to 2020. The President also commended Clayton’s work at the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell.
“Few people anywhere in the Legal Community are respected at the level of Jay,” Trump said. “I encourage the United States Senate to confirm Jay as soon as possible.”
If confirmed, Clayton would succeed DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who is stepping down June 30 because her husband has been diagnosed with cancer.
The nomination comes days after Trump tapped Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting DNI. As Zeale News previously reported, Pulte’s appointment drew criticism, with some lawmakers questioning whether his background in housing finance would adequately prepare him to lead the U.S. intelligence community.
Trump said Pulte will take over as DNI June 19 — 11 days earlier than previously expected — and serve in an acting capacity until Clayton is confirmed.
Clayton’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee will take place June 17. If the committee unanimously agrees to advance him, the full Senate could confirm him as soon as June 18. NBC News reported that an objection to his nomination could push a committee vote into late July.