Jay Clayton
Background
AI-generatedJay Clayton is an American lawyer who chaired the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and later served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Role
Jay Clayton is a lawyer and government official known for having led the SEC during the first Trump administration and for subsequently serving as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, one of the most prominent federal prosecutorial posts in the country.
Background
Clayton spent much of his career as a corporate and securities lawyer at a major Wall Street law firm before being nominated by President Trump to chair the SEC, a position he held for several years focusing on capital markets regulation and public company oversight. He later returned to government service as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, overseeing federal criminal and civil enforcement matters in that district.
Why they are in the news
In mid-2026 Clayton is in the news after President Trump nominated him to serve as Director of National Intelligence, a move that would place him atop the U.S. intelligence community. His nomination has drawn attention alongside broader coverage of the Trump administration's financial and regulatory dealings, including reporting on Trump's crypto-related income, given Clayton's earlier record as a securities regulator.
Background context generated by AI from public knowledge and recent Apprise coverage. Facts may lag current events — see the stories below for the latest.
In the news
▶ 58sThe Latest: Federal filing shows Trump took in about $1.2 billion from crypto businesses last year
A federal filing shows President Donald Trump took in nearly $1.2 billion from his crypto businesses last year, locking in profits while his investors were socked with losses
▶ 48sTrump nominates US Attorney Jay Clayton to be director of national intelligence
President Donald Trump is nominating Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and a former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, as director of national intelligence