Trump's intelligence pick Jay Clayton won't affirm Biden won 2020 election

Jay Clayton, Trump's nominee to lead national intelligence, declined to directly affirm during Senate testimony that Joe Biden won the 2020 election, despite senators pressing him on the question. Clayton said the matter fell outside the scope of the role he was nominated for.

Committee members said a nominee's stance on election results carries weight for a position as sensitive as director of national intelligence. Clayton previously served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The nomination process will continue with further questioning ahead of a Senate confirmation vote. The decision is being closely watched amid continued political sensitivity over leadership of the intelligence community.