President Donald Trump announced on Thursday via social media that he is nominating Jay Clayton to be the next director of national intelligence. Clayton is a federal prosecutor who currently serves as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and was formerly the head of the top US markets watchdog.
The nomination comes as Trump seeks a permanent replacement for Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned from the position last month. The move follows pressure from Congress to name a permanent replacement for the role.
The announcement follows widespread criticism from U.S. lawmakers over Trump's decision to install Bill Pulte, a controversial ally and political attack dog, as acting director of national intelligence while searching for a permanent candidate.
Objections by House Democrats regarding Pulte's selection as acting director ensured that Section 702 of FISA will expire Friday. This backlash doomed efforts to renew the key intelligence tool.