Congressman Mfume Statement Opposing the Nomination of Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence

Image June 11, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement regarding President Trump's nomination of Jay Clayton to serve as the Director of National Intelligence: "I oppose the nomination of Jay Clayton to serve as Director of National Intelligence," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. "As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Clayton has shown himself willing to put the machinery of justice at the service of the President's political agenda, launching investigations ordered up on social media and targeting the President's perceived enemies." "Just this week, he went on national television to push baseless claims of election fraud," he continued. "A man who has weaponized one of the most powerful prosecutor's offices in the country cannot be trusted with the nation's most sensitive intelligence powers. And this nomination does nothing to resolve the ongoing alarm over Bill Pulte, who lacks the qualifications, the experience, and the judgement for the role, even in a temporary capacity." "I will continue to oppose any reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that fails to include meaningful reforms, beginning with a clear warrant requirement. The federal government must not search the private communications of Americans without a warrant. That principle was essential before this Administration, and it is even more urgent now that this White House has demonstrated it will turn the powers of government against its critics, against election officials, and against the American people," he concluded. ###