Trump's new spy chief confirmed by US Senate
The US Senate has confirmed Jay Clayton as the new Director of National Intelligence following the rejection of President Trump's initial nominee, Bill Pulte. Clayton, a former federal prosecutor, takes over the role after a period of leadership instability and controversy regarding staffing cuts.
Why it matters
The appointment of a new intelligence chief is critical for national security oversight and the management of US intelligence agencies during a period of political transition.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Jay Clayton testifying before the Senate Committee on Intelligence in Washington DC
Jay Clayton has been confirmed as the next US director of national intelligence (DNI), after President Donald Trump's original choice was rejected by lawmakers.
On Tuesday, the US Senate voted 51 to 47 to install Clayton, replacing the acting DNI Bill Pulte. Pulte was Trump's original pick but faced backlash for being a housing official with no national intelligence experience.
Clayton had been serving as US attorney for the Southern District of New York, overseeing several prominent cases including the drug trafficking case against former Venezuelan president Nicholas Maduro.
"Jay is outstanding in every way, and will do a spectacular job as Director!" Trump posted afterwards on Truth Social.
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