Trump Delays Swearing In Jay Clayton As DNI, Keeping Pulte In Role
President Trump has delayed swearing in Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence, keeping Bill Pulte in the acting DNI role as of Thursday, July 30, 2026.[1]
The White House told reporters it does not know when Clayton will take office or who will represent the intelligence community at a Camp David Cabinet meeting scheduled for Friday, July 31.[1] Clayton was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday night, July 28, but had not been sworn in as of Thursday.[1] Bill Pulte remains acting DNI while also serving as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.[1]
Senators Mark Warner and Chris Coons publicly questioned the delay and warned that continued staffing cuts at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence pose risks during the U.S. war with Iran.[1] Pulte has publicly said he laid off 30% of ODNI staff, a figure Democrats and former intelligence officials say they have not seen evidence to confirm.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Jay Clayton was confirmed by the Senate as DNI on Tuesday night, July 28, 2026, but had not been sworn in as of Thursday, July 30
- Bill Pulte remains acting DNI while also serving as FHFA director and chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
- White House officials told MS NOW they do not know when Clayton will take office or who will represent intelligence at a July 31 Camp David Cabinet meeting
- Sens. Mark Warner and Chris Coons publicly questioned the delay and raised concerns about continued staffing cuts at ODNI during the U.S. war with Iran
- Pulte has publicly claimed to have laid off 30% of ODNI staff, a figure Democrats and former officials say they have not seen evidence to confirm
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