Trump Nominates New Intelligence Chief Amid Pulte Appointment Controversy

President Trump announced plans to nominate Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan and previously the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as the next director of national intelligence. This decision comes following the controversy surrounding the appointment of Bill Pulte, a senior housing official, as the acting director. Pulte replaced Tulsi Gabbard who stepped down recently.

Pulte’s appointment had complicated the process of renewing a crucial government surveillance authority. Congress failed to pass a three-week extension of the law, which is set to expire by midnight Friday. With Congress not in session, rescheduling a vote before the deadline is challenging.

Trump urged the Senate, via social media, to confirm Clayton promptly. “Few people anywhere in the Legal Community are respected at the level of Jay,” Trump stated.

This situation signifies ongoing challenges between the Trump administration and Congress regarding intelligence appointments and related legislative issues.

This is a developing story. More updates to follow.

Julian E. Barnes, who reports on U.S. intelligence agencies and international security for The Times, has been covering security issues for over 20 years.