The US Senate on Tuesday evening in a 51-47 vote confirmed Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence to replace Tulsi Gabbard.
Clayton was the former SEC Chairman and former US Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY).
President Trump congratulated Jay Clayton.
“Congratulations to the Great Jay Clayton on his confirmation by the United States Senate, to be the next Director of National Intelligence. Jay is outstanding in every way, and will do a spectacular job as Director! President DONALD J. TRUMP” Trump said.
Earlier Tuesday, outgoing Acting DNI Bill Pulte executed his 5th round of Deep State terminations.
“Good News! In addition to the Historic DECLASSIFICATIONS (Transparency!) by the President, we are, this morning, Executing a 5th and Near Final Round of TERMINATIONS, an approximately 30% Staff Reduction from Weeks Ago,” Pulte said.
“The Intelligence Community must protect the American people, NOT the political whims of the bloated and corrupt elite class,” Pulte said on Tuesday.
Good News! In addition to the Historic DECLASSIFICATIONS (Transparency!) by the President, we are, this morning, Executing a 5th and Near Final Round of TERMINATIONS, an approximately 30% Staff Reduction from Weeks Ago. The Intelligence Community must protect the American people,…
— DNI Pulte (@DNIPulte) July 28, 2026
Last month, President Trump said he will appoint James M. McDonald as the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York to replace Jay Clayton.
James McDonald is a former clerk to Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts.
Full statement from President Trump:
I am pleased to announce my intent to appoint James M. McDonald as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. A native of the Great State of Oklahoma, Jamie is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, and served as Director of Enforcement at the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission during my First Term.
Jamie is currently a Senior Partner at the Highly Respected Law Firm of Sullivan & Cromwell, a former Law Clerk to Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., and a distinguished Graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, and Harvard College.
I am confident that Jamie will deliver strong results for our Country as the next United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, as he has the respect of, and will work fantastically with, our Law Enforcement Patriots, the Legal Community, and the Judicial Bench. Good luck Jamie.
I have no doubt about your future greatness! President DONALD J. TRUMP
