Trump spy nominee Jay Clayton faces tense hearing after refusing to say Joe Biden won in 2020

Jay Clayton, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead U.S. intelligence agencies, faced a contentious Senate confirmation hearing where he repeatedly declined to acknowledge Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election. Despite direct questioning from Democratic senators, Clayton would only state that Biden had been "certified" as president, while maintaining, "I am not an election denier."

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Trump isn't in the room today. If you can't disagree with him when he's not in the room, are you going to be able to disagree with him when you're sitting across from him?

During the hearing, Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona directly challenged Clayton, asking if he could disagree with Trump when the president was not present. Clayton responded evasively, stating, "I think that's your characterization. I'm really, I'm not going to continue."

The nomination and hearing take place amidst the Trump administration's broader efforts to increase federal control over U.S. elections. These efforts are fueled by Trump's persistent, unfounded claims of widespread election fraud and his refusal to accept his 2020 electoral defeat. Legal experts contend that such moves would unlawfully shift power from the states, which hold constitutional authority over election administration.

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I think that's your characterization. I'm really, I'm not going to continue.

Clayton's nomination has become more complicated following his performance. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer remarked that Clayton's hearing was "abysmal" and significantly reduced his chances of securing Democratic votes. The hearing also touched upon Clayton's past actions, including subpoenas of New York Times journalists during his tenure as U.S. Attorney for Manhattan.

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The performance of Jay Clayton in committee today was abysmal, and it makes it much less likely that he will get Democratic votes.