U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) challenged nominee for director of national intelligence Jay Clayton at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on July 15, pressing him about subpoenas issued to New York Times journalists and about the intelligence community’s role in election security, according to a press release and transcript provided by Gillibrand’s office.
Gillibrand asked Clayton to explain the timing and delivery method of subpoenas served to multiple New York Times reporters after reporting about security concerns related to President Trump’s Qatari-donated Air Force One. Clayton repeatedly declined to discuss specific investigative circumstances, saying the timing of action depends on the facts and the potential for spoliation of evidence. Gillibrand described the home service of the subpoenas as “rushed, aggressive, with an unnecessary urgency,” and said the committee is “deeply concerned.”
On election security, Gillibrand pressed Clayton to clarify whether he would restore oversight responsibilities for election-related cyberthreats within the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). She framed the issue as distinct from voter-fraud claims, saying the committee’s concern is about foreign influence and cybersecurity. Clayton told the committee cybersecurity and election security are “front of mind” for him and committed to “making an assessment” and providing greater coordination or resources where needed.
The senator’s office provided transcripts of their exchanges and posted video of the hearing. Footage of Gillibrand’s questioning is available on YouTube. The press release also references reporting on the subpoenas by The New York Times.
This account is based on a press release and transcript from Senator Gillibrand’s office; the committee hearing is the primary source for the quoted exchanges and the posted video.
