US Senate confirms Trump's nominee Clayton as Director of National Intelligence, nation's top spy

The US Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence in a 51-47 party-line vote, despite Democratic opposition over his refusal to acknowledge Trump's 2020 election loss and controversies surrounding his nomination. Clayton, a former SEC chairman and Manhattan US Attorney, faced a contentious confirmation process. Democrats opposed him over his refusal to acknowledge that Trump lost the 2020 election, and for issuing subpoenas to New York Times journalists. The confirmation fills a role vacated by Tulsi Gabbard in June. Clayton lacks intelligence experience, but his backers cite his national security work as US Attorney.

The US Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence on Tuesday in a 51-47 vote along party lines. Clayton, a former SEC chairman and Manhattan US Attorney, faced a contentious confirmation process. Democrats opposed him over his refusal to acknowledge that Trump lost the 2020 election, and for issuing subpoenas to New York Times journalists. The confirmation fills a role vacated by Tulsi Gabbard in June. Clayton lacks intelligence experience, but his backers cite his national security work as US Attorney. The vote came amid broader disputes over election security and FISA renewal.