President Donald Trump announced he is canceling the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing for Jay Clayton, his nominee for Director of National Intelligence. Trump stated that Clayton's confirmation would not proceed until James McDonald is approved as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. In the interim, Bill Pulte will continue to serve as the acting Director of National Intelligence.
Trump linked the delay to his demand that Congress pass a voter ID bill, reiterating his stance that he will not approve the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) without his Save America Act, which includes provisions for proof of citizenship for voting, also passing.
Sources indicated that the hearing is expected to be postponed, though the committee chair had not officially informed members. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has faced challenges in reconciling Trump's demands with the narrow Republican majority, as election bills reportedly lack sufficient votes for Senate passage. Trump has insisted on linking the FISA renewal with his election reform legislation.
Trump, who was attending the G7 meeting in France, also claimed Republicans had agreed with Democrats to remove Pulte in exchange for FISA approval, but that expedited hearings for Clayton meant Pulte would be gone before Democrats would vote on FISA, leading Democrats to state they would vote against it. He described this as Republicans falling into a trap.
What Happens Next
01Congress will face pressure to consider the voter ID bill.
02James McDonald's confirmation as U.S. Attorney will be pursued.
03Jay Clayton's nomination process will be revisited.
04The status of FISA renewal will be determined.
