Trump cancels Jay Clayton's intelligence chief hearing, keeps Bill Pulte as acting DNI
The Independent (UK)—President Trump abruptly cancelled Jay Clayton's Senate confirmation hearing for Director of National Intelligence and announced Bill Pulte would remain as acting DNI, citing frustration with Congress over a voter ID bill and intelligence legislation. Trump lashed out at 'Dumocrats' and Republicans in a Truth Social post. The cancellation surprised the Senate, which had hoped a quick confirmation would avert a FISA Section 702 shutdown. Trump simultaneously pressed for Jamie McDonald's confirmation as SDNY US attorney as part of his leverage play. The episode represented Trump's second blockage of Clayton's path to the DNI post.