The Hill headlined it "Senate confirms Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence". The confirmation came on a party line vote, with Clayton taking over the role from the acting director who had been serving in the position.
BBC News headlined it "Trump's new spy chief Jay Clayton confirmed by US Senate". Clayton had faced questions during the process over his unwillingness to clearly affirm the outcome of the previous presidential election, a point that contributed to some senators withholding support.
Supporters and opponents of the nomination offered differing accounts of the delay leading up to the vote. ""Now Democrats have the opportunity to replace that acting official," he added. "But they’re in no apparent rush to confirm a permanent director of national intelligence. They’ve opposed his nomination in committee. They’ve delayed things here on the floor."", The Daily Wire said. Critics of the pick raised separate concerns about his readiness for the post and the broader implications of the appointment. ""As Senate Republicans move to once again confirm an inexperienced and unqualified nominee to a position of massive national security consequence for years to come, one thing remains clear — this type of politicized leadership will only make Americans less safe," Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said in a statement."1, Fox News said.
Questions about Clayton record also surfaced regarding his past conduct in a previous federal role. Reason reported: "As U.S. attorney, Jay Clayton subpoenaed journalists for reporting embarrassing information about the president's new plane."2
The New York Times headlined it "Trump’s Spy Chief Spends Final Hours in Job Boasting of Mass Firings". The outgoing acting director had continued to speak publicly about workforce reductions carried out during his tenure, including further rounds of cuts announced before departure. Fox News headlined it "Acting Director of National Intelligence announces 4th wave of layoffs".
The confirmation proceeded even as a separate surveillance authority reauthorization effort remained unresolved.
