Trump ties intelligence nomination to explosive political demands in Washington

WorldPolitics
17 Jun 2026 • 6:51 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Trump ties intelligence nomination to explosive political demands in Washington

  • Donald Trump unexpectedly delayed the nomination of Jay Clayton to lead the U.S. intelligence community.
  • The delay is intended to pressure Congress to approve James McDonald as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
  • Trump also stated he would not approve the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) unless his 'Save America Act' was passed concurrently.
  • This decision follows bipartisan opposition to William Pulte, whom Trump announced would remain as acting Director of National Intelligence.
  • McDonald, a former federal prosecutor, is currently part of Trump's legal team appealing felony convictions in New York.

IN FULL