Trump Says Nomination of US Intel Director Should Be Delayed (1)

President Donald Trump pressured Senate Republicans to delay confirming Jay Clayton as his next intelligence director, throwing a wrench into leaders’ plans to quickly install him before loyalist Bill Pulte could take the position on an acting basis.

Trump said the Senate Intelligence Committee would scrap a hearing planned for Wednesday to consider Clayton’s nomination. If the panel approved Clayton, it could have set up a final confirmation vote as soon as Thursday. The Senate has not said whether the hearing has been canceled.

Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the intelligence panel, has said Clayton could be approved ...