Story perspectives

Trump Bars Clayton Hearing, GOP Leaders Decry Surprise Move

6/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump ordered nominee Jay Clayton to skip his Senate confirmation hearing, blindsiding Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis said the surprise demands are damaging the GOP’s chances of retaining congressional majorities.
Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton called the move regrettable, postponed the hearing after Clayton withdrew, and said Trump’s tying of the SAVE America Act to FISA reauthorization is a non-starter for Republicans.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump ordered nominee Jay Clayton to skip his Senate confirmation hearing, blindsiding Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis said the surprise demands are damaging the GOP’s chances of retaining congressional majorities.
Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton called the move regrettable, postponed the hearing after Clayton withdrew, and said Trump’s tying of the SAVE America Act to FISA reauthorization is a non-starter for Republicans.