Jay Clayton sworn in as US director of national intelligence

Jay Clayton officially took office as the United States' top spy on Tuesday, sworn in as the ninth Director of National Intelligence. The ceremony took place in the Oval Office, administered by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, with the president present.

Clayton's path to confirmation was fraught with controversy. During his Senate hearing, he notably declined to directly acknowledge that Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election. This stance drew condemnation from Democrats, though Republicans ultimately confirmed him along party lines.

“

The safety and security of the American people will be our North Star, and we will work to make sure the American people have complete confidence in the [intelligence community] through proper oversight, transparency and accountability.

His appointment follows a period of interim leadership by Bill Pulte, a housing regulator installed by Trump. Pulte's tenure was marked by efforts to raise concerns about election integrity, including the release of intelligence documents regarding China's capacity to interfere in U.S. politics. These actions occurred as Trump continued to promote unsubstantiated claims about the 2020 election being stolen.

As Director of National Intelligence, Clayton will lead 18 U.S. intelligence agencies. In his first statement, he addressed concerns about political influence, promising to safeguard the intelligence community. "The safety and security of the American people will be our North Star, and we will work to make sure the American people have complete confidence in the [intelligence community] through proper oversight, transparency and accountability," Clayton stated. He added, "This includes ensuring the vital work of our [intelligence community] is never weaponized for political motives."

“

This includes ensuring the vital work of our [intelligence community] is never weaponized for political motives.