Senate Approves Jay Clayton as National Intelligence Director, 51-43

The Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence on July 28, 2026, in a 51-43 vote. President Trump nominated Clayton to replace Tulsi Gabbard. Democrats who opposed him said they worried he might let politics influence intelligence work. Opposition dropped from 46 no votes on July 22, when the Senate voted to end debate, to 43 on final confirmation.