US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Jay Clayton as the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the official responsible for overseeing the country’s intelligence agencies.
Clayton currently serves as the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York and previously chaired the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) during Trump’s first administration.
The nomination comes after criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans over Trump’s earlier decision to appoint Bill Pulte as acting DNI despite his lack of intelligence experience.
Trump praised Clayton as a highly respected legal figure and urged the US Senate to confirm him quickly.
Although Clayton does not have a traditional intelligence or national security background, some lawmakers and analysts view him as a more broadly acceptable choice because of his experience in law enforcement, financial regulation, and public service.
The nomination will require confirmation by the US Senate before Clayton can officially take over the position.
The appointment is being closely watched because it comes during debates over intelligence policy and the renewal of key surveillance authorities used by US intelligence agencies.