President Donald Trump announced that he is canceling a planned hearing for his nominee to serve as director of national intelligence, Jay Clayton, due to frustration with legislative maneuvering over a US surveillance law.

Background

Trump expressed his frustration on Truth Social, stating that he would not allow hearings to proceed for Clayton until his replacement as Manhattan US attorney, Jamie McDonald, is confirmed. Trump also mentioned that Bill Pulte, the current acting director of national intelligence, would remain in the position for the time being.

The cancellation of the Senate hearing is unusual, as it is typically decided by the committee holding the hearing, in this case, the Senate Intelligence Committee. It is unclear if Trump had spoken to the panel’s chairman, Republican Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, before making the announcement.

The nomination of Clayton to serve as director of national intelligence has been expedited by Senate Republicans in an effort to ensure that Pulte, who has been a controversial selection, would not remain in the position for an extended period.

Trump has also been pushing for the extension of the surveillance law to be paired with the SAVE America Act, a sweeping voting overhaul legislation.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.