NPR News: 07-16-2026 2AM EDT

Giles Snyder· Host0:00

Live from NPR News, I'm Giles Snyder. President Trump's nominee to lead the US intelligence community is Jay Clayton, currently the US attorney for the Southern District of New York. At his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday, Democrats repeatedly grilled him on the president's claim of fraud in the 2020 presidential election, as NPR's Greg Myre reports.

Greg Myre0:23

Several Democratic senators asked Jay Clayton, the nominee for director of national intelligence, who won the 2020 election. Clayton said Joe Biden was certified as president but didn't say outright that Biden won. The tone escalated as Georgia's Jon Ossoff pressed Clayton.

Giles Snyder· Host0:41

Who won the 2020 election?

Jay Clayton· Soundbite0:43

I think I've answered the question. We, we can keep doing this.

Giles Snyder· Host0:45

Well, we're gonna keep doing it because you're not being honest and forthright with the committee.

Jay Clayton· Soundbite0:50

No, I'm not gonna engage in, in the theater.

Greg Myre0:51

Republicans control the Intelligence Committee and can send Clayton's nomination to the full Senate without any Democratic support. A vote is expected next week. Greg Myre, NPR News, Washington.

Giles Snyder· Host1:04

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was also on Capitol Hill Wednesday for his confirmation hearing. Much of the hearing's focus was on the so-called anti-weaponization fund that would have compensated allies of President Trump who'd been prosecuted for crimes. Blanche insisted that it is not moving forward, but lawmakers, including Republican Senator John Cornyn, said the Trump administration has not committed to that in writing.