Trump puts Clayton DNI confirmation on hold until his replacement as NY federal prosecutor confirmed

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the Senate confirmation hearing for his pick as director of the Office of National Intelligence, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, has been canceled and the process put on hold, pending the approval of Jamie McDonald for Clayton's position. 

Meanwhile, Bill Pulte will remain as the acting director, Trump said in a Truth Social post. 

Trump criticized Republicans for an agreement with Democrats to remove Pulte from the position in exchange for extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which authorizes the warrantless surveillance of foreigners abroad. The provision expired at the end of last week after the House voted down an extension.

"Now, the Dumocrats are saying they will vote against FISA — So, the Republicans wound up having fulfilled their commitment, but Dumocrats broke the Deal," Trump wrote. 

Trump said that he doesn't want to pull Clayton from the Southern District of New York without McDonald being confirmed to replace him. 

"Therefore, to add a slight bit of intrigue but, for the Good of the Nation, and the People of our Country, I will not approve FISA without THE SAVE AMERICA ACT going along with it," Trump wrote.