Jay Clayton sworn in as Director of U.S. National Intelligence
On August 3, 2026 Clayton assumed leadership of the U.S. intelligence community overseeing 18 agencies following Tulsi Gabbard's May resignation.
Jay Clayton was sworn in on August 3, 2026 as the new Director of National Intelligence, the office that oversees the United States intelligence community's 18 agencies.
Clayton takes the post after the May resignation of former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Gabbard's tenure was marked by clashes with Democrats in Congress; opponents accused her of backing the political agenda of U.S. President Donald Trump and of spreading unfounded claims about the elections.
Confirmation and background
Prior to this appointment, Clayton served as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. His prosecutorial record was cited during the confirmation process.
Republicans in the Senate approved his nomination last week despite opposition from Democrats, clearing the way for his swearing-in on August 3, 2026.
As Director of National Intelligence, Clayton will be responsible for coordinating the work of the intelligence agencies and advising senior U.S. leaders on threats and intelligence assessments; his tenure will be closely watched in Washington and beyond.
Photo: press material from the event
