Trump pauses spy chief confirmation in Congress

President Donald Trump halted Jay Clayton’s confirmation hearing as director of national intelligence (DNI), citing frustration with Congress’s failure to pass the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Clayton, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, was scheduled to appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday but was pulled from the process after Trump tied his approval to the inclusion of the SAVE America Act—a voting restrictions measure—in FISA renewal. Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) called the postponement regrettable, stating Clayton is a qualified nominee and expressing hope for future confirmation. Meanwhile, Vice Chair Mark Warner (D-Virginia) criticized Trump’s use of national security as a political bargaining chip, calling the delay an ‘extraordinary display of dysfunction.’ Trump’s move follows bipartisan pushback over his earlier appointment of Bill Pulte, a non-security expert, as acting DNI. Clayton’s confirmation would replace outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who is set to leave office on June 30. Lawmakers from both parties had sought swift confirmation to stabilize leadership over the 18 intelligence agencies under the DNI’s purview. The SAVE America Act, which requires voter ID and citizenship proof, has drawn Democratic opposition, complicating FISA’s passage. Without its renewal, Trump warned he would not approve the surveillance law, further delaying Clayton’s confirmation and prolonging Pulte’s interim role. Clayton’s nomination remains stalled as Trump leverages national security appointments to advance his legislative priorities. The delay underscores tensions between executive authority and congressional oversight in shaping U.S. intelligence policy.