US Senate confirms Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence

The US Senate on Tuesday confirmed President Donald Trump's nominee Jay Clayton to be the next director of national intelligence (DNI).

The upper chamber voted 51-47.

It follows the unexpected departure of DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who in her resignation announcement cited the need to care for her husband after his cancer diagnosis.

Unlike many of his predecessors, Clayton, currently a US attorney, has limited experience in foreign policy and intelligence matters.

Despite concerns about his background, Clayton was viewed by Republicans and Democrats alike as a preferable choice to acting DNI Bill Pulte, who has drawn criticism for several rounds of layoffs since taking the temporary post last month.

As the US’s new top spy, Clayton will oversee the country’s 18 intelligence agencies and manage the daily intelligence briefing for the president.

Following the voting, Trump congratulated him on his confirmation.

"Jay is outstanding in every way, and will do a spectacular job as Director!" he said on his Truth Social platform.