The US Senate confirmed Jay Clayton, President Donald Trump’s nominee, as the new Director of the Secret Service on Tuesday. The confirmation followed tense hearings, overcoming opposition from Democratic senators. Clayton, formerly the US Attorney for the Southern District of Manhattan, will now lead the federal security agency. Republicans hold a majority in the Senate, enabling the confirmation despite Democratic concerns. Reuters reports the confirmation process was contentious, highlighting political divisions surrounding the appointment. This appointment places a key ally of President Trump at the helm of the agency responsible for protecting high-ranking officials. Clayton’s confirmation process drew scrutiny regarding his past legal work and qualifications for the role.