John Ratcliffe is Trump’s pick to head CIA
US President-elect Donald Trump has named John Ratcliffe, a former congressman and Director of National Intelligence, as his pick for Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). This decision comes despite widespread speculation that the position would go to Kash Patel, an Indian-American lawyer.
Trump had previously pushed for Patel to serve as acting director of the CIA during the final months of his first term as president. Patel, known for his role in driving congressional opposition to the investigation into Trump’s alleged links to Russia, was widely expected to be appointed CIA director due to his unwavering loyalty to the former president. However, Ratcliffe was selected for the role instead, though Patel may still be in the running for another senior position in the Trump administration, as the Director of National Intelligence post remains open.
John Ratcliffe, who served as the Director of National Intelligence during the last Trump administration, was named by the Trump-Vance transition team in an official announcement.
“I am pleased to announce that former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe will serve as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency,” the statement read.
“From exposing fake Russian collusion as a Clinton campaign operation to exposing the FBI’s abuse of civil liberties at the FISA Court, John Ratcliffe has always been a warrior for truth and honesty with the American public. When 51 intelligence officials were lying about Hunter Biden’s laptop, there was one, John Ratcliffe, telling the truth to the American people.”
“For these and many other reasons, it was my great honor in 2020 to award John the National Security Medal, the nation’s highest honor for distinguished achievement in intelligence and national security.”
“I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our nation’s highest intelligence positions. He will be a fearless fighter for the constitutional rights of all Americans, while ensuring the highest levels of national security and peace through strength.”
