Trump delays intel chief nomination, links surveillance program to voter ID bill

President Trump has put a hold on Jay Clayton's nomination to lead the U.S. intelligence community, using the decision as leverage to push for the passage of a voter ID bill. Trump announced Wednesday that he would delay Clayton's nomination, stating that Bill Pulte would continue to serve as the acting director of national intelligence.

The move comes amid bipartisan opposition to Pulte's nomination due to perceived lack of experience in the intelligence field. This situation had prompted Trump to turn to Clayton, who was scheduled for a Senate confirmation hearing. The urgency for Clayton's hearing was heightened by the lapse of a crucial surveillance program, which Democrats had vowed not to renew until Trump withdrew Pulte's nomination.

In a social media post, Trump accused Democrats of reneging on a deal to renew the surveillance program after he nominated Clayton. He also cited his reluctance to remove Clayton from his current role as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York before a replacement is approved. Adding another condition, Trump linked the approval of the surveillance program, referred to as FISA, to the passage of his voter ID bill, the "SAVE AMERICA ACT."

"Therefore, to add a slight bit of intrigue but, for the Good of the Nation, and the People of our Country, I will not approve FISA without THE SAVE AMERICA ACT going along with it," Trump stated. The Republican-controlled Congress has struggled to advance the voter ID bill due to insufficient support, particularly from Democrats. Clayton, a respected lawyer, currently heads one of the most high-profile U.S. Attorney offices, known for prosecuting white-collar and financial crimes. He previously led the Securities and Exchange Commission during Trump's first administration.

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Therefore, to add a slight bit of intrigue but, for the Good of the Nation, and the People of our Country, I will not approve FISA without THE SAVE AMERICA ACT going along with it.