Controversial Choice: Trump Picks Jay Clayton for Intel Chief

President Donald Trump nominated Jay Clayton, chief prosecutor for the Southern District of New York, as the next director of national intelligence. Despite Clayton's lack of intelligence experience, Trump encouraged the Senate to confirm him. The nomination follows opposition to Trump's interim choice, Bill Pulte.

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the nomination of Jay Clayton as the new director of national intelligence. Clayton, currently the chief prosecutor for the Southern District of New York, faces nomination amid controversy due to his lack of intelligence or national security experience.

Formerly the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, Clayton is noted for handling high-profile cases, like the narco-terrorism indictment of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. President Trump urged the Senate to expedite Clayton's confirmation, describing him as highly respected within the legal community.

The nomination could potentially ease Democratic opposition to Trump's temporary appointee, Bill Pulte, amidst a legislative stalemate over the foreign surveillance program, Section 702, which expires shortly. The U.S. House of Representatives, led by Republicans, recently rejected an extension of the program.