Key Developments
President Donald Trump withdrew the nomination of Jay Clayton for permanent Director of National Intelligence, ensuring Bill Pulte will become acting DNI on Friday.
Trump Pulls Clayton Nomination; Pulte to Take Over as Acting DNI
President Donald Trump withdrew the nomination of Jay Clayton, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, for permanent Director of National Intelligence (DNI). The withdrawal effectively ensures that Bill Pulte, current Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), will become acting DNI on Friday. Clayton's confirmation hearing, scheduled for this afternoon, was canceled.
About Bill Pulte
Pulte has no prior national security experience. He will continue to lead FHFA while serving as acting DNI. According to Trump, Pulte is expected to use the role to investigate alleged election irregularities and to reduce staffing at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
Impact on FISA Reauthorization
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) program lapsed last week amid bipartisan concerns about Pulte's appointment. Clayton's nomination was seen as a move to facilitate FISA reauthorization in Congress. Trump has now linked FISA reauthorization to passage of a national voter ID bill, which the Senate previously rejected. Trump referred to this condition as adding "a slight bit of intrigue."
Other Items
The article includes an anecdotal segment about garage sales and mentions the Democratic Republic of the Congo's first World Cup goal, which are unrelated to the main story.