President Donald Trump has tapped Jay Clayton, the former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman who oversaw some of the most consequential years in crypto regulatory history, to lead the nation’s intelligence apparatus.
Clayton’s nomination to become the next Director of National Intelligence comes as outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard prepares to leave the role on June 30, 2026. Gabbard announced her resignation on May 22, citing her husband’s battle with a rare form of bone cancer.
From Wall Street cop to intelligence chief
Clayton chaired the SEC from May 4, 2017, through December 23, 2020. Since 2025, he’s served as US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Aaron Lukas, Gabbard’s deputy, is set to serve as acting DNI after her departure and before Clayton’s confirmation process concludes. No Senate confirmation timeline has been announced.
