President Trump abruptly ordered his nominee for Director of National Intelligence, Jay Clayton, to skip his scheduled Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday.
The move effectively halts the appointment process to the nation’s top spy post as Trump demands that Congress first pass new voter ID requirements and surveillance reforms. This delay allows controversial acting director Bill Pulte to remain in the role, a situation Republican lawmakers had hoped to avoid by fast-tracking Clayton’s approval. Trump is also reportedly using the nomination as leverage to ensure his preferred successor is chosen for Clayton’s current job as the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan.
Senate Intelligence Committee leaders expressed frustration at the disruption and have not yet announced a new date for the hearing.
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