The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced this Thursday the appointment of lawyer Jay Clayton, current federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York and former chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as the new Director of National Intelligence of the United States, replacing Tulsi Gabbard.
"I am pleased to announce the nomination of the highly respected Jay Clayton, former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, former head of Sullivan & Cromwell, one of the most prominent and successful law firms in the world, and current federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York, to be the next Director of National Intelligence and, more importantly, to be part of my Cabinet," he indicated in a brief message disseminated on social media.
The Republican leader stressed that "few people in the legal community enjoy the respect that Jay has." "I urge the United States Senate to confirm Jay as soon as possible," said the White House tenant.
Previously, the US president had appointed Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as interim Director of National Intelligence following the resignation of Tulsi Gabbard, who left the position to accompany her husband in his fight against cancer.
Pulte's arrival in the position, albeit provisionally, was considered atypical, as he has no background in the military or intelligence services. Clayton's appointment must now pass the scrutiny of the Senate Intelligence Committee, responsible for endorsing such appointments.