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Trump delays Jay Clayton’s nomination for intel director, citing frustration over spying tool and voter ID bill
NBC News • • general
Key Points:
- President Trump announced a delay in Jay Clayton’s nomination as director of national intelligence, linking the delay to frustrations over the lapse of the Section 702 surveillance program and lack of support for his voter ID bill, the "Save America Act."
- Trump canceled Clayton’s confirmation hearing and stated he will not proceed until Jamie McDonald is approved as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, to replace Clayton in his current role.
- The delay stems from a broken deal between Republicans and Democrats regarding the renewal of the FISA surveillance program, with Democrats opposing the renewal partly due to concerns about Trump’s initial nominee, Bill Pulte, who lacks national security experience.
- The Section 702 program, which allows warrantless surveillance of foreign nationals abroad, has faced bipartisan criticism over privacy concerns, and its renewal requires 60 votes in the Senate, where Republicans hold only 53 seats.
- Democratic leaders have expressed opposition to Pulte’s appointment due to fears he might misuse intelligence powers for political purposes, while supporting Clayton’s nomination.
