President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he is nominating Jay Clayton to become the next permanent director of national intelligence.
Clayton is currently the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and is the former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. He will have to be confirmed as DNI by the Senate.
Trump’s announcement comes after controversy over his recent appointment of top federal housing official Bill Pulte to serve as acting DNI, to replace Tulsi Gabbard as she leaves that post.
Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, speaks during a press conference in New York City, U.S., December 10, 2025.
Jeenah Moon | Reuters
Trump called Clayton “very Highly respected” in a Truth Social post announcing the nomination.
“Few people anywhere in the Legal Community are respected at the level of Jay,” Trump wrote.
“I encourage the United States Senate to confirm Jay as soon as possible.”
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