Progressive groups are urging Democrats on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence to oppose Jay Clayton’s nomination as director of national intelligence due to his involvement in issuing subpoenas against New York Times journalists. Clayton, currently the top federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York, signed subpoenas targeting the journalists for their reporting on security issues related to a Qatari-donated Air Force One jet.
Key Democrats have not yet committed to opposing Clayton's nomination, which is scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday. Senator Mark Warner, the committee's vice chair, has expressed the need to question Clayton about his potential use of the DNI position regarding past election matters. Warner emphasized the importance of press independence.
Senator Mark Kelly has also indicated he has questions about the subpoenas but has not taken a definitive stance. In contrast, Senator Ron Wyden has criticized Clayton's actions, stating that they are unacceptable for someone in the DNI role.
Some Democrats, including Representative Jim Himes, view Clayton as a preferable alternative to the current temporary DNI, Bill Pulte, despite concerns about Clayton's past comments on election fraud. Progressive groups have voiced that Clayton's role in the subpoenas should disqualify him from the position, arguing that his nomination process should not be expedited based on comparisons to Pulte. They have called for thorough questioning of Clayton regarding his actions and the implications for press freedom.