President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he will nominate Jay Clayton, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, to serve as the director of national intelligence (DNI). Trump, who posted the announcement on social media, described Clayton as an “incredible talent” and urged Congress to confirm him as soon as possible. Clayton previously served as the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission and was a partner at the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell. The nomination follows a period of significant friction regarding the leadership of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Trump had previously tapped housing official Bill Pulte to serve in the role in an acting capacity, a move that triggered an uproar on Capitol Hill. Legislators criticized the Pulte selection because he lacks national security experience. Consequently, Democrats refused to extend a key surveillance power, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which expires Friday at midnight, as long as Pulte remained in line to become acting director. While Trump intends to keep Pulte in the role “for a little while” to oversee a planned downsizing of the office, he stated that Clayton will eventually take over the scaled-back operation. According to a source familiar with the decision, CIA Director John Ratcliffe recommended Clayton for the position. Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised Clayton as a “very qualified professional” and expressed hope for a quick confirmation process, noting that Clayton was previously confirmed to lead the SEC. Democratic leaders expressed mixed reactions to the news. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated that the announcement does not change the Democratic posture on the FISA extension, insisting that Pulte must be removed from the role. Conversely, Representative Jim Himes expressed respect for Clayton’s intelligence and temperament, suggesting that naming him earlier might have avoided some political “pain.” The Senate Intelligence Committee plans to hold a confirmation hearing for Clayton next Wednesday.