NOV 09, V7N-Jay Clayton, former chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under Donald Trump, is reportedly in discussions for high-ranking roles within a potential second Trump administration. Sources close to Trump’s transition team have indicated that Clayton, who was respected for his consensus-building leadership style at the SEC, is being considered for positions such as attorney general or treasury secretary. Some sources also mentioned Clayton’s interest in leading the CIA, although his lack of criminal law experience might affect his chances for certain roles.

During his SEC tenure, Clayton, a Sullivan & Cromwell alumnus, was known for bridging partisan divides and insulating the agency from the political controversies that marked Trump’s first term. He made headlines for a high-profile case against Elon Musk over tweets affecting Tesla’s stock, as well as his regulation-easing initiatives for corporate America, which some criticized for weakening investor protections. However, he garnered respect for his thoughtful approach, even from former Democratic SEC commissioners.

Clayton maintains a close but neutral relationship with Trump, whom he has occasionally joined on the golf course. Known for his diplomacy, he could be seen as a steady hand within an administration seeking continuity in finance and regulatory affairs. Observers believe that his ability to implement targeted mandates could make him well-suited to help Trump’s administration navigate significant changes in regulatory policy, should he be appointed to a key role.

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