Washington DC: The US Senate on Tuesday (local time) confirmed Jay Clayton as the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI) in a 51-47 party-line vote, with President Donald Trump and senior Republican leaders welcoming his appointment while Democrats questioned his qualifications for the role.
According to The Hill, Clayton, who currently serves as a US attorney and previously chaired the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) during Trump's first administration, will oversee coordination among the nation's 18 intelligence agencies and prepare the President's Daily Brief.
Following the confirmation, Trump congratulated Clayton in a post on Truth Social.
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"Congratulations to the Great Jay Clayton on his confirmation by the United States Senate, to be the next Director of National Intelligence. Jay is outstanding in every way, and will do a spectacular job as Director!" Trump said.
In a post on X, FBI Director Kash Patel also welcomed the confirmation and said, "Congrats to Jay Clayton on confirmation - outstanding pick from President Trump to lead ODNI."
Republican lawmakers echoed their support for Clayton's appointment.
In a post on X, Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina said, "Congratulations to Jay Clayton on his Senate confirmation as Director of National Intelligence. Clayton is well qualified to lead @ODNIgov and strengthen our intelligence efforts. I have no doubt he will do an exceptional job safeguarding this nation from our adversaries."
In a post on X, Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee said, "Congratulations to my friend Jay Clayton for being confirmed to lead @ODNIgov. Another great pick by @POTUS."
Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas said Clayton brought extensive experience addressing national security threats.
In a post on X, he said, "Jay Clayton is a highly qualified nominee with a deep experience combatting a wide range of national security threats. As U.S. attorney, Mr. Clayton has worked hand in glove with our intelligence agencies and counterterrorism personnel to lock up criminals who threaten our national security. I'm pleased that my colleagues voted to confirm Mr. Clayton as Director of National Intelligence and look forward to working with him to keep Americans safe."
In a post on X, Montana Senator Steve Daines also congratulated Clayton, saying, "Congratulations to Jay Clayton, our new Director of National Intelligence! As America faces heightened threats both at home and abroad, it's critical we have a strong leader at the helm of @ODNIgov & I am confident that Jay will do an excellent job."
