Trump Nominates Clayton to Lead Intelligence Community

President Trump selected Jay Clayton to lead the intelligence community as director of national intelligence, according to reporting on the nomination.

Clayton previously served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Trump administration. He stepped into the intelligence director role after Tulsi Gabbard resigned from the position.

The president had named William Pulte to serve temporarily in the director position following Gabbard's departure. Pulte held the role in an acting capacity pending a permanent replacement.

Clayton's nomination moves to the Senate for confirmation, where members will evaluate his qualifications for overseeing the nation's intelligence agencies and coordinating among 18 intelligence organizations across the federal government.

The director of national intelligence serves as the principal advisor to the president on intelligence matters and coordinates intelligence activities among agencies including the CIA, FBI, National Security Agency and others. The position gained statutory authority in 2004 following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission.