Trump Ties DNI Nominee Hearing to Confirmation of New York U.S. Attorney

President Trump directed his nominee for director of national intelligence, Jay Clayton, to skip a confirmation hearing scheduled for June 17, 2026. U.S. attorney for New York is confirmed.

U.S. attorney and judicial nominees and attach a voter ID bill to renewal of the surveillance law. m. on June 17, 2026, Trump derailed a plan by Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Sen.

Tom Cotton to revive an expired surveillance law by the end of the week. Trump’s White House ballroom security request and “anti-weaponization” fund had already stalled an immigration funding bill earlier in the session. Sen.

Susan Collins said on June 17, 2026: “The president has put Leader Thune in a very difficult position. And I think Leader Thune’s done a terrific job in keeping the caucus united. ” Sen. Tom Cotton called it “regrettable” that Trump asked Clayton not to appear at the June 17 hearing.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville said on June 17, 2026: “You got to play to win; don’t play to survive. And we’re not getting anything done. ” Tuberville also stated: “The president’s playing hardball. ” Sen. John Cornyn said after a GOP lunch on June 17, 2026, that there is “frustration” in the Republican caucus and that “We know we don’t have the votes” for Trump’s voter ID bill.

Sen. ” Sen. ” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said the White House and President Trump have enjoyed working closely with Leader Thune and Senate Republicans to deliver on tax cuts and border security.

Thune changed Senate rules last year to speed confirmation of Trump’s nominees. Senators in both parties remain concerned about Bill Pulte’s qualifications for director of national intelligence.