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NewsNBC Miami PoliticsJune 11, 2026United States

President Trump Nominates Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence

President Donald Trump has nominated Jay Clayton, the current U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, to lead the U.S. intelligence community. The nomination follows a congressional standoff over the president's previous appointment of an acting director, which has stalled the renewal of key foreign surveillance powers.

intelligencenational securitypresidential appointmentscongressional relationssurveillance law
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Why It Matters

The confirmation of a permanent Director of National Intelligence is required to resolve a legislative impasse that threatens the expiration of the at midnight this Friday.

Key Facts

  • President Trump nominated Jay Clayton for Director of National Intelligence.
  • The Director of National Intelligence oversees the coordination of 18 separate intelligence agencies.
  • The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is set to expire at midnight this Friday.
  • Congressional Democrats are refusing to renew FISA until Trump withdraws the appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director.
  • Tulsi Gabbard resigned as Director of National Intelligence on May 22.
  • Jay Clayton currently serves as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated the Senate aims to move quickly on Clayton's confirmation.
  • Clayton was sworn in as U.S. Attorney in April 2025.
  • The Southern District of New York office under Clayton facilitated the release of court records related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
  • Clayton's office recently prosecuted cases involving national security threats, including an alleged plot by an Iraqi-Iranian citizen to attack targets in Europe, Canada, and the U.S.

Who's Mentioned

personTulsi Gabbard“Former Director of National Intelligence who resigned last month.”personBill Pulte“Head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and Trump's previous choice for actin”personEric Adams“Former New York Mayor involved in a dismissed corruption case.”personJohn Thune“Senate Majority Leader (R-S.D.) supporting the nomination process.”personChuck Schumer“Senate Democratic Leader opposing the appointment of Bill Pulte.”personJay Clayton“Nominee for Director of National Intelligence and current U.S. Attorney for the ”personJim Himes“Top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee.”personDonald Trump“President of the United States who announced the nomination.”other18“Number of intelligence agencies overseen by the Director of National Intelligenc”