President Donald Trump has nominated Jay Clayton, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, to serve as the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI), filling a key national security position within his administration.
The announcement comes after Trump appointed Bill Pulte to serve as acting Director of National Intelligence following the resignation of former DNI Tulsi Gabbard. Pulte was selected to temporarily oversee the nation’s intelligence community while the administration searched for a permanent replacement.
Trump previously indicated that Pulte’s appointment would be short-term and revealed last week that he was interviewing several candidates for the role before making a final decision.
Clayton, who currently serves as the top federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York, is expected to bring extensive legal and regulatory experience to the position. Before becoming U.S. Attorney, Clayton gained national prominence through senior government service and work in financial regulation.
As Director of National Intelligence, Clayton would be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of the U.S. intelligence community, advising the president on intelligence matters, and helping shape national security policy.
The nomination now moves to the Senate, where lawmakers will review Clayton’s qualifications and determine whether to confirm him for the Cabinet-level role.
The appointment follows a period of leadership changes within the intelligence community after Gabbard’s departure from the position. Trump’s administration has emphasized the importance of strengthening intelligence coordination amid ongoing global security challenges and geopolitical tensions.
If confirmed, Clayton would become one of the most influential national security officials in the administration, overseeing intelligence agencies and providing critical assessments on threats facing the United States.