DNI Confirmation Chaos
Trump upends Jay Clayton's path to lead intelligence, sparking GOP backlash.
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Updated Jun 17, 7:04pm ETBoth sides, every morning
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The reporting
Left & CenterPresident Donald Trump abruptly derailed Jay Clayton’s confirmation process to become director of national intelligence, prompting the Senate Intelligence Committee to postpone a hearing that had been scheduled for Wednesday. Trump said on Truth Social that he wanted to cancel the hearing, and Clayton did not appear, upending Republican plans to quickly install him in the intelligence post. The move complicated efforts to resolve a standoff over intelligence authorities and left Clayton’s nomination stalled for at least weeks. Senate Republicans, including Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton and Majority Leader John Thune, were forced to adjust after the White House undercut their fast-track strategy.
Analysis & opinion
Pulte AngleMostly Left
Trump said William Pulte would remain acting director of national intelligence, despite earlier Republican efforts to move Clayton quickly into the permanent role. Critics and senators warned that delaying Clayton’s confirmation could keep the controversial loyalist in charge of the intelligence apparatus for weeks.
GOP BacklashCenter & Right
Republican senators reacted with frustration after Trump blindsided them by ordering Clayton away from his hearing, with some calling the move an “absolute mess” and a “colossal mistake.” The episode deepened tensions between Trump and Senate GOP leaders as they scrambled to recover from the sudden disruption.
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