CNN reporter dumbstruck by Trump's new DNI nominee
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media as he arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, U.S., May 20, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
June 11, 2026
President Donald Trump reversed course Thursday on his Intelligence Chief pick, nominating former SEC chairman Jay Clayton as permanent director of national intelligence hours after the House failed to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
The abrupt shift came days after Trump insisted to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) he would not abandon housing official Bill Pulte as the acting director, making the reversal a striking capitulation.
CNN's Alayna Treene characterized the move as such, explaining the ferocious bipartisan backlash against Pulte — a credentialed appointee tasked with shrinking the intelligence office, purging perceived disloyalists, and reopening 2020 election documents.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) demanded Pulte's appointment be reversed immediately, reports CBS, warning Trump had "tossed a hand grenade" into FISA negotiations.
Democrats made clear, no DNI, no FISA votes.
Clayton, credentialed and confirmable, represents the type of pick Democrats might accept to revive FISA reauthorization.
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