Acting DNI Reportedly Pressing Trump to Delay Swearing In Jay Clayton Despite Confirmation: ‘Trying to Stay in the Job Longer’

(AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte is reportedly trying to linger in his current position — despite the Senate confirming a full replacement this week.

Politico Playbook reported on Wednesday morning that Pulte is pushing Trump to “delay Clayton’s swearing-in, or at least trying to stay in the job longer,” citing a White House official.

On Tuesday, Jay Clayton was confirmed by the Senate in a 51-47 vote to become Director of National Intelligence. Pulte has been acting DNI since Tulsi Gabbard resigned from the role.

Pulte has reportedly told Trump he needs “more time to finish his work” and he’s used a recent “burst of activity” — including layoffs — to convince the president.

Even if Pulte does not manage to stay in his acting role for long, officials reportedly expect him to be sticking around in some capacity.

Three administration officials said Pulte will keep his job at the Federal Housing Finance Agency, a role that earned him plenty of pushback as DNI. Pulte, who has no military or intelligence experience, was accused of his using his role overseeing the Federal Housing Finance Agency to target political enemies of the president with accusations of mortgage fraud, charges that were largely later dismissed in court.

The White House official told Politico that Pulte’s specific pitch to Trump about staying in his role longer has been: “He’s doing things nobody else will do, and that’s why he needs to stay in the job longer.”

Senior staffers in the administration reportedly want Clayton sworn in quickly and Pulte out of his Federal Housing role. Multiple people described Trump and Pulte as “bros.”

“The president really loves him,” the White House official told the outlet.

Trump congratulated Clayton after the confirmation vote in a Truth Social post.

“Congratulations to the Great Jay Clayton on his confirmation by the United States Senate, to be the next Director of National Intelligence. Jay is outstanding in every way, and will do a spectacular job as Director!” he wrote.

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