Senate Confirms Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence

The U.S. Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence, placing him atop the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Democrats raised concerns that he could politicize intelligence at President Trump's direction, and support eroded after Clayton declined to clearly state that Joseph R. Biden Jr. won the 2020 election. He succeeds Bill Pulte.

Coverage from 3 publishers 3 source reports

NPRNYTGuardian

Senate Confirms Jay Clayton to Lead U.S. Intelligence Community

Update summary

What changed in this update

Mr. Clayton, who shed Democratic support after he refused to clearly say Joseph R. Biden Jr. won the 2020 election, will take over the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from Bill Pulte.

Source coverage

Source reports

NPR Published 29 July 2026

Senate confirms Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence

The Senate confirmed Jay Clayton to oversee the intelligence community, despite Democrats' concerns that he could politicize intelligence at President Trump's direction.

NYT Published 29 July 2026

Senate Confirms Jay Clayton to Lead U.S. Intelligence Community

Mr. Clayton, who shed Democratic support after he refused to clearly say Joseph R. Biden Jr. won the 2020 election, will take over the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from Bill Pulte.

Guardian Published 28 July 2026

Senate confirms Trump ally Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence

At confirmation hearing, Clayton sidestepped questions about 2020 election and declined to say Trump lost Sign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email The US Senate voted to confirm Jay Clayton as the director of national intelligence on Tuesday, giving Trump another key ally directing the nation’s intelligence apparatus. The tally, 51-47, fell along party lines, with all Republicans supporting his nomination a…

More news

Also in the news

Russian Businessman With Putin Ties Paid for Donald Trump Jr.’s Wedding Party

US 5h ago Developing

Russian Oligarch Umar Kremlev Partly Funded Donald Trump Jr.'s Wedding

Donald Trump Jr. and his wife Bettina Anderson confirmed that Russian businessman Umar Kremlev, described as an oligarch close to Vladimir Putin, partially paid for festivities following their recent wedding. The three-day celebration took place across two private islands in the Bahamas. Reports say the payments totaled hundreds of thousands of dollars.

4 references

GuardianNYTTIME

Legendary costume designer Bob Mackie dies aged 87

US 15h ago Developing

Legendary costume designer Bob Mackie dies at 87

Bob Mackie, the celebrated costume designer known for flamboyant, sequined outfits for stars including Cher, Tina Turner and Elton John, has died at 87. Dubbed the "Designer to the Stars" and "Sultan of Sequins," Mackie won nine Emmy Awards, a Tony Award and received three Oscar nominations.

3 references

GuardianCBSBBC

US 9h ago Developing

Emmys 2026: Widow’s Bay and The Pitt win top honors

The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards took place, with Widow’s Bay dominating the ceremony and The Pitt, Hacks and Pluribus winning other major categories, according to the Guardian’s full winners list.

3 references

CBSNYTGuardian

Discovery

See what’s emerging. See what’s changing.

Explore stories gaining momentum and continuing events with new developments.

Explore Discovery