UMVA has learned that Walter "Jay" Clayton, the former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, is set to face a potentially contentious confirmation hearing in the Senate on Wednesday, as he seeks to become the director of national intelligence.
The hearing comes at a time of intense scrutiny over President Trump's temporary pick for the job, Bill Pulte, a homebuilder scion and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director, who has sparked concerns among Democrats about his qualifications and partisanship.
Clayton, currently serving as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, has a reputation for being a seasoned prosecutor with a background in handling high-profile cases, including those related to national security, which could help alleviate some of the concerns among Democrats.
Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona and a vocal critic of President Trump, expressed hope that the White House would provide reassurance that Pulte would not assume the role of director of national intelligence, even temporarily, and that Clayton's confirmation could help avoid a potentially messy situation.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Kelly suggested that the concerns over Pulte could actually help push Clayton's nomination through the Intelligence Committee, saying that Pulte's looming presence might serve as an "incentive" to move Clayton's confirmation along on a faster timeline.
Despite his background as a prosecutor, Clayton still faces a tough road ahead, with Democrats having raised concerns about Trump's picks for various roles, and it remains to be seen whether Clayton will be able to garner enough support to secure the position.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said that Clayton is "eminently qualified" for the role and that the Senate is looking forward to processing his nomination, but noted that it would require cooperation from the minority party to fast-track the process.
The confirmation hearing will likely be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the country's intelligence community and the role of director of national intelligence, which has been embroiled in controversy in recent weeks.
