Trump Pick Jay Clayton Confirmed As New US Intelligence Chief
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Jay Clayton as the new Director of National Intelligence in a party-line vote. Clayton's confirmation was marked by controversy over his refusal to explicitly acknowledge the 2020 election results and his past legal actions against journalists.
Why it matters
The appointment of a top intelligence official who avoids confirming established election outcomes raises concerns about the politicization of U.S. intelligence agencies ahead of mid-term elections.
U.S. Senate Republicans on Tuesday confirmed President Donald Trump's nominee, Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, to be the nation's top spy, despite opposition from Democrats following an angry confirmation hearing.Clayton fills a role vacated in June when Tulsi Gabbard stepped down after a tenure marked by clashes with congressional Democrats, who accused her of advancing Trump's political agenda and promoting debunked election claims.The vote was 51-47 to confirm Clayton for the job of Director of National Intelligence, overseeing the 18 U.S. intelligence agencies.
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