US advances nomination of Clayton, Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence

The US Senate on Monday advanced the nomination of Jay Clayton, President Trump's pick for Director of National Intelligence (DNI), with a 51-43 vote along party lines. Clayton, currently the Manhattan US Attorney, is expected to be approved within days to oversee 18 intelligence agencies. The position has been vacant since June when Tulsi Gabbard stepped down. Democrats have raised concerns about Clayton's independence, citing his refusal to acknowledge Trump's 2020 election loss and his decision to subpoena New York Times journalists. Senator Ron Wyden stated, "From start to finish, Mr. Clayton has proven himself incapable of telling the truth or demonstrating an iota of independence from Donald Trump." However, Senate Majority Leader John Thune called Clayton "a proven leader."