Senate confirms Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence

The Senate voted to confirm Clayton in a 51-47 split that was along party-lines. Kentucky GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell and South Carolina GOP Sen. Darline Graham Nordone did not vote.

By Misty Severi

Published: July 28, 2026 7:44pm

The Senate voted Tuesday night to narrowly confirm Jay Clayton as the next Director of National Intelligence.

President Donald Trump last month nominated Clayton, who was serving as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York at the time, for the role. He will replace Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, who is serving as acting DNI in the interim.

The vote to confirm Clayton was a 51-47 split that was along party-lines. Kentucky GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell and South Carolina GOP Sen. Darline Graham Nordone did not vote.

Clayton's confirmation is a triumph for the president, who previously nominated Pulte for the role before facing opposition because of his lack of national security experience.

Pulte has been serving in the role in an acting capacity since Tulsi Gabbard resigned last month.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.