Trump nominates Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence

President Donald Trump announced on June 11, 2026, that he has nominated Jay Clayton, the former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to succeed Tulsi Gabbard as the next Director of National Intelligence. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, "I am pleased to announce the Nomination of very Highly Respected Jay Clayton, former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the former Head of Sullivan & Cromwell, one of the most prominent and successful Law Firms anywhere in the World, and the current United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, to be the next Director of National Intelligence and, importantly, to serve in my Cabinet." Should Clayton be confirmed by the Senate, he would replace Bill Pulte, the interim director, whose appointment has caused a congressional stalemate regarding the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Pulte's lack of national security experience has led Democrats to delay the renewal of the program until a new director is appointed.