Jay Clayton, currently the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, is set to testify at a Senate Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. on Capitol Hill. Clayton was nominated by President Trump to succeed Bill Pulte, the acting director of national intelligence whose appointment sparked controversy and contributed to a Senate deadlock over extending a warrantless surveillance program under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

President Trump had initially pushed Senate Republicans to cancel Clayton’s hearing, stating that the nomination should not proceed until a replacement for Clayton in his current role was approved by the Senate. Trump also expressed concerns that the confirmation process was moving too quickly, which could hinder Pulte’s temporary leadership.

Trump announced Clayton as his permanent pick for the DNI role on June 11, 2026, just hours before the warrantless surveillance authority expired. Clayton has a lengthy legal career, including work at the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell, which is currently representing Trump in appeals related to his criminal conviction and a civil fraud lawsuit.

During the hearing, Clayton may face questions about subpoenas he issued to three New York Times journalists following their report that the new Air Force One, donated by Qatar, lacks some of the advanced security features of the older planes.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton announced the postponement of the hearing after Trump’s request. Despite the delay, there is expressed anticipation to proceed with Clayton’s confirmation soon. Clayton himself has expressed regret over the president’s direction not to appear at the earlier scheduled hearing.

Notable quotes:

  • "Mr. Clayton is a patriot and a highly qualified nominee, as the president has said repeatedly."
  • "I look forward to proceeding with his confirmation in the near future."
  • "Regrettable that the president has directed Jay Clayton not to appear at his confirmation hearing."

Sources

CBS Politics