US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he has nominated John Ratcliffe, his former director of national intelligence, to serve as the next director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Ratcliffe, a close ally of Trump, previously held the nation’s top intelligence role from May 2020 until Trump’s departure from office in January 2021. In his new position, Ratcliffe would make history as the first individual to serve in both of the nation’s highest intelligence posts.
Trump expressed confidence in Ratcliffe’s abilities, praising him as a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” and emphasizing his commitment to maintaining “the Highest Levels of National Security” and achieving “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”
Ratcliffe, a former US representative from Texas, was confirmed as the director of national intelligence (DNI) by the Republican-majority Senate in 2020, despite opposition from Senate Democrats, who criticized his perceived partisanship and lack of experience in intelligence matters. This time, with Republicans controlling the Senate once again, Ratcliffe is expected to secure an easy confirmation.
During his tenure as DNI, Ratcliffe became known for his hawkish stance on foreign policy, particularly toward China and Iran. He has publicly criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the Middle East, including his decision to threaten withholding arms shipments to Israel. Ratcliffe also positioned himself as a tough critic of China, warning in 2020 that Beijing’s economic, military, and technological ambitions posed a serious threat to the US and global stability.
Ratcliffe’s time as DNI was marked by partisan controversy, with some accusing him of selectively declassifying intelligence to benefit Trump and undermine political opponents. However, his office denied these allegations, asserting that his actions were in line with national security priorities.
Before his role as DNI, Ratcliffe served on the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees and became a prominent defender of Trump during the impeachment proceedings in 2019. Although his first nomination as DNI was withdrawn due to concerns about his qualifications, Republicans later rallied behind him, arguing that the DNI role needed to be filled with a permanent, confirmed leader.
Ratcliffe’s nomination comes at a time of continued tensions between Trump and intelligence agencies, including the CIA, which Trump has previously accused of harboring “deep state” elements that work against his administration’s interests.