Trump’s intelligence chief nominee Jay Clayton refuses to say Biden won 2020 election during Senate confirmation hearing | Today’s news
President Donald Trump’s nominee for director of National Intelligence, Jay Clayton, faced intense questioning from Senate Democrats during a contentious hearing on Wednesday (July 15), with much of the debate focused on the 2020 presidential election.
Democratic senators repeatedly asked Clayton whether former President Joe Biden had won the 2020 election. Clayton consistently responded that the election was “certified” for Biden, but refused to specifically state that Biden had won.
When pressed by Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia, Clayton declined to give a direct answer.
“I’m not getting into that with you,” Clayton said. “I answered.
Democrats argued that the refusal to recognize the election result raised concerns about his willingness to protect the integrity of future elections.
Warner expresses “bitter” disappointment
Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, a Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he previously supported Clayton’s nomination but left the hearing disappointed.
“I’ve known Mr. Clayton for a while, worked closely with him when he was at the SEC. But I’m bitterly disappointed,” Warner said.
Democrats have said they fear President Trump could seek to use intelligence agencies to influence future elections, citing his ongoing claims that the 2020 election was rigged.
Republicans continue to support the nominee
Despite Democratic opposition, Clayton continues to enjoy strong support from Republican lawmakers.
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton announced that the committee intends to vote on Clayton’s nomination next week.
Republicans had hoped to quickly confirm Clayton to replace acting intelligence chief Bill Pulte, whose interim appointment drew criticism from members of both parties for his lack of intelligence experience.
Clayton pledges integrity if confirmed
In his opening statement, Clayton emphasized his commitment to national security and professional leadership.
“I have seen firsthand how a strong national security apparatus depends on sound judgment, discipline, integrity and effective communication and cooperation across the various branches of government,” Clayton said.
He added: “If I am confirmed as Director of National Intelligence, I commit to following these principles every day.”
Questions about Tulsi Gabbard’s election office visit
Democrats also questioned Clayton about former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s visit to a Georgia election office during an FBI investigation related to the 2020 election.
Clayton initially said he didn’t know about Gabbard’s visit until he was preparing for the hearing, before later clarifying that he “didn’t mean it.”
Warner disputed this explanation.
“It strains credibility,” Warner said.
Clayton declined to say whether he believed Gabbard’s actions were appropriate or whether he would have handled the situation differently.
No role in Trump’s planned campaign speech
Lawmakers also asked Clayton about President Trump’s announcement that he would deliver a prime-time speech focused on the election, amid suggestions that the president may revisit disputed claims about the 2020 vote.
Clayton said he had no involvement in the preparation of the speech.
“I had no part in it,” he told senators.
Subpoenas targeting journalists
Democrats questioned Clayton about the subpoenas issued to four New York Times journalists following reports on security issues surrounding Qatar-gifted Air Force One.
The Committee to Protect Journalists criticized the subpoena as an attempt to intimidate the press.
Clayton declined to discuss the details of the investigation or whether the White House was consulted before issuing the subpoena.
“I am confident in the procedures we have in place to protect the freedom of the press,” he said.
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