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DNI · FISA · Legislation · Trump
President Trump delayed the nomination of Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence, linking his confirmation to the approval of James McDonald as US Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the passage of the SAVE America Act, which includes a proof of citizenship requirement to vote.
Clayton's confirmation was fast-tracked after the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) lapsed on Friday. Trump stated on Truth Social that Clayton's Senate hearing was canceled and would not proceed until McDonald's approval.
McDonald was nominated to succeed Clayton as the Manhattan US Attorney. Trump also appointed Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence despite bipartisan opposition.
The President, currently at the G7 Summit in France, further demanded that FISA reauthorization would not be signed without the attachment of the SAVE America Act. Trump accused Democrats of breaking a deal regarding Pulte's removal and FISA approval.
This political maneuver establishes significant uncertainty around key intelligence leadership and surveillance powers.
