US President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of the Senate confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton, his nominee for National Intelligence Director. Trump stated that the new hearing will only take place after Jamie McDonald is confirmed as US Attorney for the New York district.
Trump said that William John Pulte will continue serving as the interim National Intelligence Director. Thus, the anticipated change in leadership of the intelligence structure has been stalled in the Senate process.
FISA dispute stalls the process
Trump accused the Democrats of violating a secret agreement related to the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). In the same statement, he claimed that Republicans also fell into the opposition's trap.
Trump also called for the passage of the "Save America Act," which envisions stricter regulations on voter registration and voting processes. He clearly stated that he will not approve FISA without this law.
Thune had called for cooperation
Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune had described Jay Clayton as an extremely qualified candidate for the new National Intelligence Director just a day earlier. Thune said they expected Clayton to be appointed this week and expressed hope that Democrats would cooperate.
Thune labeled Trump as the first president in history not to secure verbal or unanimous consent approval for a civilian nominee. This assessment also revealed the political tension Clayton's nomination caused in the Senate.
Gap in intelligence leadership emerges
The National Intelligence Directorate is responsible for coordinating 18 US intelligence agencies, including the CIA and FBI. The current head, Tulsi Gabbard, announced her resignation on May 22 citing her husband's health issues.
Gabbard announced she would step down effective June 30. Trump had previously announced Jay Clayton as her replacement and urged the Senate to confirm his nomination as soon as possible.
