The US Senate has confirmed Jay Clayton’s nomination as Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Fifty-one senators voted in favour of the appointment, with 47 against.
Clayton will succeed Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned from the post last month. As previously reported, she decided to step down to be with her partner, who has been diagnosed with cancer.
Following the vote, US President Donald Trump congratulated Clayton on his appointment.
“Jay is exceptional in every respect and will do a brilliant job as director!” he wrote on the social media platform Truth Social.
Prior to his appointment, Clayton worked as a federal prosecutor and handled several high-profile cases, including proceedings against former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Clayton has limited experience in the intelligence sector, but his candidacy was seen as the best option compared to that of Acting Director of National Intelligence William Pulte, whose tenure was marked by massive staff cuts and criticism from lawmakers of both parties.
The Director of National Intelligence coordinates the work of 18 US intelligence agencies and is responsible for preparing daily intelligence briefings for the President.
Clayton’s appointment comes against the backdrop of the ongoing reorganisation of the US intelligence community. Critics of the Trump administration have expressed concern about the use of the intelligence services for political purposes, including in connection with the President’s statements regarding the 2020 election and personnel changes within the intelligence agencies.