GOP breaks with Trump over surprise play to bench DNI nominee: ‘Colossal mistake’

Source: New York Post

WASHINGTON — President Trump on Wednesday barred Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton from showing up to his confirmation hearing just hours before an eager Senate was to fast-track his nomination. Trump made the surprise demand over Truth Social in his latest dustup with Senate Republicans, insisting instead they first confirm Clayton’s successor as US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. In a rare flex, Republicans initially sought to forge ahead with the hearing in a rush to get Clayton in place to succeed outgoing DNI Tulsi Gabbard — and avoid installing federal housing chief Bill Pulte into the role on an interim basis.