President Donald Trump announced Thursday his intention to select Jay Clayton, who currently serves as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and previously led the Securities and Exchange Commission, to head the nation’s intelligence operations.
The president revealed his choice through a social media post as lawmakers continue demanding a permanent successor to Tulsi Gabbard, who stepped down from the role last month. Trump encountered significant opposition regarding his choice of Bill Pulte, who leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve in an interim capacity.
The circumstances have created tension on Capitol Hill, with Democrats threatening to block the renewal of foreign intelligence authorities until Trump withdraws Pulte’s appointment and selects a permanent candidate.
“Few people anywhere in the Legal Community are respected at the level of Jay,” Trump posted online. “I encourage the United States Senate to confirm Jay as soon as possible.”
