President Donald Trump has pressured Senate Republicans to delay the confirmation of Jay Clayton as the next intelligence director. The move disrupts plans to quickly install Clayton before loyalist Bill Pulte could take the position on an acting basis.
Trump stated Wednesday that he is delaying the nomination in an effort to force Congress to act on a voter ID bill that currently lacks sufficient support for passage.
The overnight demands have faced public backlash from key Senate Republicans. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, the chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, said he plans to proceed with Wednesday's confirmation hearing unless President Trump withdraws the nomination or orders Clayton not to appear.
Despite the president's call for a delay, the Senate is moving forward with the process to consider Clayton's nomination to lead the U.S. intelligence community.