Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton Confirmed as National Intelligence Director

Jay Clayton, who has served as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) since April 2025, is stepping down from his post. The U.S. Senate confirmed Clayton to serve as the Director of National Intelligence in a 51-47 party-line vote.

In a statement regarding his departure, Clayton described his tenure at the SDNY as an "immense privilege," citing the office's work in protecting public safety and quality of life. During his time leading the Manhattan office, Clayton oversaw several high-profile legal actions, including the prosecution of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, the release of extensive records related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, and the conviction of three local real estate brokers on sex trafficking charges. His tenure also saw a shift in focus toward street-level crime, such as fentanyl and firearm offenses, which marked a departure from the office's traditional emphasis on complex white-collar litigation.

Clayton’s nomination faced scrutiny from some lawmakers, who raised concerns regarding his public statements on the 2020 presidential election and the office's use of subpoenas against journalists reporting on security matters. Despite these objections, he secured confirmation to lead the intelligence community following the resignation of his predecessor, Tulsi Gabbard, earlier this year.

To fill the vacancy, President Trump has selected James McDonald to lead the SDNY. McDonald is currently a partner at the law firm Sullivan & Cromwell, where Clayton previously practiced. His background includes service as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District, a role as an enforcement director at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and a clerkship for Chief Justice John Roberts.

Clayton has publicly endorsed his successor, characterizing McDonald as a highly accomplished strategist and advocate. While the transition is underway, the exact timeline for when McDonald will officially assume the role of U.S. Attorney remains to be finalized.