politics
Senate Intelligence Committee to Hold Hearing on Trump’s DNI Nominee Jay Clayton
President Trump's nominee Jay Clayton will appear Wednesday before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. The hearing follows a postponement linked to FISA renewal efforts and other confirmations. Clayton currently serves as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Jul 15, 4:32 AM·2m read3 sources
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Jay Clayton, President Trump's nominee to serve as Director of National Intelligence, is scheduled to appear before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on Wednesday, July 16, 2026. Committee Chair Tom Cotton scheduled the hearing for the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, who previously chaired the Securities and Exchange Commission during Trump's first term.
Clayton received the nomination in June 2026. An initial hearing set for June 17 was postponed after Trump said he wanted Congress to act first on Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act renewal and voter ID legislation. Section 702 of the FISA law expired in June after the House voted 198-218 against a three-week extension.
Bill Pulte has served as interim director since June 19 following Tulsi Gabbard's resignation in May. Clayton's office oversaw the prosecution of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on drug trafficking charges. The office also facilitated the unsealing of thousands of pages of court records from the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell prosecutions and issued subpoenas to five New York Times reporters regarding reporting on security questions tied to a Qatari-gifted Air Force One.
President Trump stated on Truth Social that few people in the legal community are respected at the level of Jay and urged the Senate to confirm him as soon as possible. Sen. Tim Scott called the appointment an excellent choice due to Clayton's experience, judgment and resolve.
Sen. Thom Tillis described the selection as outstanding and said Clayton is a proven leader with sound judgment needed to lead the intelligence community. Rep. Jim Himes said he has known and respected Clayton for decades and that his intelligence, temperament and commitment to public service will make him a terrific DNI.
Sen. Mark Warner said in June that he has known and respected Clayton for many years and believes he is a capable public servant. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said on July 14 that he expects to oppose the nomination but would not object to an accelerated confirmation vote.
