As Jay Clayton took his seat before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday, the scene was starkly different from 28 days ago.
Back in June, just hours before Clayton’s confirmation hearing for director of national intelligence was about to start, President Donald Trump abruptly ordered his nominee not to appear.
This time around, Clayton was very much in attendance, defending his past comments about voter fraud and his role in the subpoenas of New York Times reporters over the weekend.
“I’m absolutely committed to and respect our First Amendment,” said Clayton, adding he sought to “limit to the greatest extent possible any intrusion into the operation of the free press.”
Senate Intelligence Chair Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said the committee will hold a business meeting next week to vote on advancing the pick to the floor. If confirmed, Clayton will replace Bill Pulte, whose temporary appointment last month riled many Democrats after the resignation of former DNI Tulsi Gabbard.
