A tense exchange unfolded during the Senate confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence (DNI) nominee Jay Clayton as Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) questioned him about presidential pardons, prosecutorial independence, and whether he would be willing to stand up to President Donald Trump if necessary.

Clayton testified before the Senate Intelligence committee Wednesday as part of his confirmation hearings as Trump’s new director of national intelligence.

The Senate Intelligence Committee is considering Jay Clayton's nomination to be the director of national of intelligence.