Dem Warner pushes Clayton for DNI to block 'grossly unqualified' Pulte before deadline

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen Mark Warner on Sunday, June 14, voiced support for US Attorney Jay Clayton as a potential Director of National Intelligence, saying he possesses the “right temperament” for the role.

Warner’s remarks come as concerns continue to swirl around FHFA Director Bill Pulte’s temporary appointment to the position.

Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) smiles and raises his hands in response to shouted questions from reporters as he heads back to the Senate floor following a recess in the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump on January 27, 2020, in Washington, DC (Samuel Corum/Getty Images) 

Mark Warner questions Bill Pulte's fitness for intelligence role

“I know Jay. I think he’s got the right temperament. I’ve got a lot of questions, like who won the election in 2020, so he at least acknowledges that truthfulness, But remember, Margaret, this was totally caused by Donald Trump,” Warner said.

He was speaking during a Sunday appearance on CBS’s 'Face the Nation' regarding the lapse in Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

“He could have nominated Jay Clayton a week ago, and we wouldn’t have gone dark,” Warner added.

Some House Republicans and Senate Democrats had previously opposed extending FISA authorities over concerns surrounding Pulte’s nomination.

Warner was among the lawmakers who criticized Pulte’s selection, describing the FHFA director as “grossly unqualified” for the intelligence post. Critics have also raised concerns about Pulte's use of mortgage records to target political opponents of President Trump.

The Virginia Democrat said he plans to press Clayton on how he would approach the job and whether he can uphold the ethical standards expected of the nation’s top intelligence official.

Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Bill Pulte speaks with reporters at the White House, September 2, 2025, in Washington (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Mark Warner hopes Jay Clayton will keep elections clean

"I’ve got questions for Jay, like, want to make sure that he’s going to maintain the integrity of our elections, not try to pull the things that Miss Gabbard did," Warner said.

He further added that Gabbard interfered in domestic election activities “with the seizure of the ballots in Fulton County.”

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who will soon depart from the role.

Warner said he aspires to get Clayton confirmed to replace Gabbard this week, which could bypass Pulte’s temporary appointment set to start on June 19.

“My hope is, if we can get unanimous consent, we could even get him confirmed this week. I would hope that the president would then say to Tulsi Gabbard, who is going to stay till the end of the month, stay at least until Clayton is confirmed, or allow the number two to stay,” he added.