President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he is nominating Jay Clayton, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, to serve as the director of national intelligence (DNI). In a social media post, Trump described Clayton as an “incredible talent” and urged the Senate to confirm him as soon as possible. The nomination follows pressure from Congress to name a permanent replacement for Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned last month citing her husband’s cancer diagnosis. The announcement comes amid a legislative standoff regarding the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Democrats have refused to support an extension of the surveillance law, which expires at midnight Friday, as long as Bill Pulte remains in line to serve as acting director. While Trump previously stated Pulte would take over the role on June 19, he told reporters on Thursday that Pulte would remain in the position “for a little while” until Clayton is confirmed. Legislators have criticized the selection of Pulte, noting he lacks a national security background. Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised Clayton as a “very qualified professional” and stated the Senate hopes to receive nomination paperwork quickly to “probe the limits” of a fast confirmation. Conversely, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that Pulte “has got to go” and that the DNI role is too important for him to hold. Representative Jim Himes expressed respect for Clayton but noted that the nomination did not resolve the impasse regarding the FISA extension. Clayton previously served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission from 2017 to 2020 and was a partner at the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell. While he currently oversees high-profile prosecutions involving terrorism, espionage, and the prosecution of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, reports indicate he has no prior experience in national security matters, which is a legal requirement for the DNI role. Sources indicate Trump asked CIA Director John Ratcliffe for recommendations for the position, and Ratcliffe recommended Clayton.