Trump nominates Jay Clayton as top US intelligence official after pushback on Bill Pulte
US president had faced widespread criticism of his decision to install a controversial ally, Bill Pulte
TL;DR
- Donald Trump nominated Jay Clayton, former head of the US Securities and Exchange Commission, as the country’s leading intelligence official.
- The nomination follows criticism of Trump's decision to install Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
- Clayton has no significant operational experience in intelligence agencies but has a background as a Wall Street corporate attorney and US attorney.
- There are early signs of bipartisan support for Clayton's appointment.
- Concerns have been raised regarding Pulte's continued role and its impact on the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).