Senate confirms Jay Clayton as intelligence chief

The US Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence in a 51-47 partisan vote. Clayton, a former Manhattan federal prosecutor, takes over an agency undergoing significant staff cuts under acting chief Bill Pulte. The confirmation sparked debate over White House influence on intelligence, with Sen. Mark Warner opposing and Sen. Tom Cotton supporting.

The US Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence in a 51-47 vote along partisan lines on Tuesday. Clayton, a prominent Manhattan federal prosecutor and President Trump's pick, takes over an agency significantly diminished by recent personnel reductions. Acting chief Bill Pulte announced a fifth round of staff cuts, boasting an approximately 30% staff reduction from weeks ago. The confirmation sparked debate over White House influence on the intelligence community. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) opposed, citing concerns about Clayton's willingness to resist political pressure. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) supported, highlighting Clayton's experience combatting national security threats. The DNI role was established post-9/11 and was left open in June after Tulsi Gabbard's departure.