Senate Intelligence Committee Approves Jay Clayton as Intelligence Chief on Party-Line Vote

The Senate Intelligence Committee voted 9 to 8, with every Republican supporting and every Democrat opposing, to move President Trump's nominee Jay Clayton forward for the director of the Office of National Intelligence. If the full Senate confirms him, Clayton would replace acting director Bill Pulte, who was appointed after a brief delay in Clayton's hearing.

Clayton, who currently serves as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, faced criticism from Democratic senators for his answers during the confirmation hearing, particularly regarding the 2020 election outcome. He said President Joseph R. Biden Jr. had been “certified” as the winner but did not elaborate further.

During his tenure as U.S. attorney, Clayton's office issued subpoenas to journalists who reported on security concerns about a newly donated Air Force One jet. He described the subpoenas as part of “an ongoing national security investigation” and said the actions were coordinated with the Justice Department and followed procedures intended to protect the First Amendment and avoid press intimidation.

"certified"