Trump Nominates Former SEC Chair Jay Clayton as Intelligence Director

President Trump nominated Jay Clayton to direct the nation's intelligence apparatus, selecting the former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman for the role.

Clayton headed the SEC from 2017 to 2020 during Trump's first presidency. Before his tenure at the agency, Clayton worked as a lawyer in the private sector.

The nomination follows Trump's earlier selection of an acting intelligence director, a move that generated substantial criticism among members of Congress. Trump has not publicly detailed his reasons for nominating Clayton instead of keeping the acting director in place.

As director of national intelligence, Clayton would oversee the intelligence community and brief the president on national security matters. The position requires Senate confirmation.

Clayton's background in financial regulation differs significantly from traditional paths to the intelligence post. Previous directors typically held experience in military intelligence, law enforcement, or foreign policy.

The intelligence directorship became vacant after Trump took office in January 2025. Trump initially selected another official to lead the agency on an acting basis, which prompted Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans to raise concerns. Details of those objections have not been fully disclosed.