Trump Makes New Pick To Replace Tulsi Gabbard

President Donald Trump on Thursday nominated former Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Jay Clayton to be the next Director of National Intelligence, replacing outgoing intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard. 

Clayton currently serves as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, having previously led the SEC from May 2017 through December 2020 during Trump’s first term.

“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. 

“Few people anywhere in the Legal Community are respected at the level of Jay. I encourage the United States Senate to confirm Jay as soon as possible,” he added. “Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

While Clayton is best known for his work in financial regulation, he currently oversees one of the nation’s most prominent federal prosecutors’ offices. During his tenure as U.S. attorney, the Southern District of New York has continued pursuing high-profile cases, including the prosecution of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.

Trump’s nomination comes after Gabbard announced last month that she would step down from her post to support her husband as he undergoes treatment for a rare form of bone cancer. Gabbard is scheduled to leave office at the end of June.

The selection also follows controversy surrounding Trump’s decision to name Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte as acting director. 

Democrats and some Republicans questioned whether Pulte possessed sufficient national security experience to lead the intel community, while House Democrats cited his appointment as a reason to oppose extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. 

“Bill Pulte has no relevant national security experience. Consequently, his appointment is in defiance of the law that requires the Director of National Intelligence to have ‘extensive’ national security experience,” House Democrat leaders said. “The apparent motivation for his elevation is the demonstrated willingness of Bill Pulte to search government databases for alleged dirt on President Trump’s chosen political enemies.”

Clayton must now be confirmed by the Senate before he can assume the role permanently.