Senate confirms Clayton as Trump intelligence chief
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton arrives to testifies during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on his nomination to be Director of National Intelligence, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on July 15, 2026.(AFP)
The U.S. Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as Donald Trump's top intelligence official Tuesday, putting a permanent chief in charge of the country's spy agencies as the president revives unsupported election fraud claims ahead of the midterms.
Senators voted 51-47 to confirm Clayton's appointment, with all Democrats in the upper chamber voting against it.
"Jay is outstanding in every way, and will do a spectacular job as Director!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social shortly after the vote.
