The Senate voted 51 to 47 to confirm Jay Clayton as the ninth Director of National Intelligence, placing the former SEC Chair in charge of coordinating the nation’s 18 intelligence agencies. The party-line vote marked a narrow approval compared to his earlier 61-37 confirmation as SEC Chair in 2017.
Clayton’s tenure at the SEC was notable for initiating the high-profile 2020 lawsuit against Ripple Labs over $1.3 billion in alleged unregistered XRP securities offerings. That case, which ended with a $125 million judgment in 2025, remains a significant chapter in his regulatory legacy.
His new role will have him replace acting Director William Pulte, following a formal transition process. Despite concerns raised about Clayton’s limited experience in traditional intelligence and his past political pressures during his time as U.S. Attorney, supporters highlighted his expertise in cyber threats, sanctions, and national security prosecutions. The confirmation followed a 9-8 vote in the Senate Intelligence Committee and a cloture motion passed 51-43.
