What to know about Jay Clayton, Trump’s pick to be the next intelligence chief

Published June 12, 2026 12:45pm ET | Updated June 12, 2026 5:02pm ET



President Donald Trump nominated Jay Clayton for director of national intelligence on Thursday after facing pushback over his recent choice to fill the role in the interim, Bill Pulte.

If confirmed by the Senate, Clayton would take over the office of the permanent director from Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned in late May, after Pulte completes his time as acting director. Pulte will fill in as acting director when Gabbard’s resignation, which was initially set for June 30, becomes effective on June 19, serving until the Senate decides on Clayton.

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