Senate Confirms Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence, 51-43

The Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence on July 28, 2026, in a 51-43 vote. Clayton, nominated by President Trump to succeed Tulsi Gabbard, drew opposition from Democrats who expressed concerns he could politicize intelligence at Trump's direction. Opposition narrowed from 46 nays on the July 22 cloture vote to 43 on final confirmation.