Senate Confirms Jay Clayton as Intelligence Director, 51-43

The Senate confirmed Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence on July 28, 2026, in a 51-43 vote. Nominated by President Trump to succeed Tulsi Gabbard, Clayton drew Democratic opposition over concerns he could politicize intelligence at Trump's direction. Opposition fell from 46 votes against on the July 22 cloture vote to 43 on final confirmation.