President Donald Trump announced his intent to nominate Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for Manhattan and former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as the permanent Director of National Intelligence.
The decision follows backlash over the president’s previous pick, Bill Pulte, whose potential appointment faced criticism from intelligence officials and lawmakers.
Clayton, a veteran corporate lawyer, served as SEC chairman from 2017 to 2020 under the Trump administration, where he oversaw regulatory changes and led efforts to modernize market rules.
As U.S. attorney in Manhattan, Clayton has focused on financial crime and securities fraud, building a record that aligns with the intelligence community’s emphasis on legal and regulatory rigor.
The White House framed the pick as a return to experienced leadership for the intelligence post, which has seen turnover and controversy in recent years.
Clayton’s nomination requires Senate confirmation, where his background in finance and law may face scrutiny from both parties.
The move signals an effort to stabilize the intelligence agency’s leadership after a period of internal tension and public disputes over appointments.
