Trump Halts Intelligence Chief Confirmation, Renews Vote Curb Demand

President Donald Trump suspended a Senate hearing for his nominee, Jay Clayton, to be director of national intelligence (DNI) in an effort to pressure Congress into approving his "SAVE America Act" voting restrictions bill. The move effectively makes the current interim DNI, Bill Pulte, likely to remain in the position, jeopardizing the future of a key intelligence gathering program known as FISA Section 702. Trump stated he would not approve FISA without the act's approval and insisted on replacing Clayton with Jamie McDonald as US attorney for the Southern District of New York. This decision comes amid midterm elections in November, where Trump faces low approval ratings and potential loss of congressional control.