Jay Clayton, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be director of national intelligence (DNI), tells senators he will not explicitly say that Democrat Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election, according to reporting from multiple outlets. Clayton is appearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee as part of his confirmation process. During the hearing on Wednesday, Democratic senators ask him whether Biden won the election. He does not provide an unqualified answer endorsing the result, though he indicates the election was “certified” for Biden. Several outlets note that Clayton frames his position as consistent with accepting certification, while declining to label himself an “election denier.” The Washington Times and Forbes describe his refusal as potentially contributing to a more partisan confirmation dynamic. Coverage also indicates the committee is considering Clayton’s nomination, and his statements are becoming a focal point in the senators’ questions rather than the substance of his broader intelligence or policy positions.