Trump nominates prosecutor Jay Clayton as intelligence chief

President Donald Trump has proposed New York prosecutor Jay Clayton for the permanent role of Director of National Intelligence. The nomination, announced on Trump's online platform, requires Senate confirmation.

Clayton currently serves as a federal prosecutor in New York and previously headed the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) during Trump's initial presidency. As a prosecutor, he was also tasked with investigating connections between U.S. Democrats and Jeffrey Epstein late last year. This investigation was initiated at the public direction of then-Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The Director of National Intelligence leads U.S. intelligence agencies and advises the president on intelligence matters. The position becomes vacant as the current incumbent, Tulsi Gabbard, announced her resignation effective June 30, citing family reasons and her husband's battle with a rare form of bone cancer. U.S. media had previously reported disagreements between Gabbard and Trump regarding the Iran war.

This nomination comes after weeks of criticism regarding Trump's interim appointment. Earlier in June, Trump named Bill Pulte, head of the state housing finance agency and a Trump loyalist, as the interim coordinator, expected to take over by June 19. It remains unclear if this date will hold.