President Donald Trump named former Securities and Exchange Commission chair Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence Friday after bipartisan opposition derailed Bill Pulte’s nomination.
Clayton led the SEC from 2017 to 2020 and has extensive experience in financial regulation. Senators from both parties had raised concerns about Pulte’s qualifications and temperament for the intelligence role.
The director of national intelligence oversees 18 agencies and serves as the principal adviser to the president on national security matters.
Clayton’s appointment does not require Senate confirmation for an initial period, though lawmakers said they would scrutinize his approach to intelligence community oversight.
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Sources:
https://www.democracynow.org/2026/6/12/headlines