Continuing story · 2 reports

Jay Clayton’s DNI nomination

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Concluded — How it ended →

Where it stands

The Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence on July 28, 2026, in a 51-47 vote. The nomination has therefore concluded; lawmakers’ questions about intelligence agency staffing cuts concern his new leadership, not the nomination’s remaining status.

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Continuing storyDay 7

2 reports16 outlets22 sources2 videos

6 quiet days
  • No dated events yet
    1. Update 19-8: Clayton's DNI Bid Clears Committee After He Won't Say Biden Won
    2. Update 2Senate Confirms Jay Clayton as DNI in 51-47 Vote

    The story so far

    1. Update 26 days later

      Senate Confirms Jay Clayton as DNI in 51-47 Vote

      Jay Clayton survived a party-line vote to lead a shrunken intelligence office, dogged by 2020 questions and a looming surveillance fight.

      Still open after this report

      • No verified scale, timing, or authorizing official for the staff cuts beyond hundreds fired; no verbatim record beyond his I'm not an election denier line.
      • Whether his confirmation will in fact unlock reauthorization of FISA Section 702 surveillance powers.

    2. Update 1

      9-8: Clayton's DNI Bid Clears Committee After He Won't Say Biden Won

      Trump's nominee to run all 18 U.S. intelligence agencies refused at his hearing to acknowledge the 2020 result. The Senate Intelligence Committee advanced him anyway, on a straight party-line vote.

      Still open after this report

      • The exact wording of the Ossoff–Clayton exchange during the back-and-forth on 2020, including the specific words used by each senator.
      • How many Senate Democrats, if any, will ultimately vote to confirm Clayton on the floor.
      • The terms of any deal linking Clayton's confirmation to Section 702 reauthorization.

    History

    1. Opened1 report

    Who's involved

    People

    • Donald TrumpPresident of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)2 reports
    • Joe Biden46th President of the United States (2021–2025)2 reports
    • Jay ClaytonAmerican lawyer1 report
    • Jon OssoffAmerican politician and filmmaker (born 1987)1 report
    • Mark WarnerUnited States Senator from Virginia1 report

    Places

    • United States Senate Office50 Constitution Ave NE, Washington, DC 20510, USA2 reports

    Every outlet we read on this story

    22 sources16 outlets2 videos1 wire copy