U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has selected John Ratcliffe, a close ally and former director of national intelligence, to be the next director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
In a statement announcing the nomination, Trump expressed his confidence in Ratcliffe, saying, “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.”
If confirmed, Ratcliffe would become the first individual to have held both the CIA and DNI roles. He served as the director of national intelligence from May 2020 to January 2021, during a time of significant global challenges and domestic upheaval.
Ratcliffe, a strong supporter of Trump, has recently co-chaired the Center for American Security, a think tank aligned with Trump’s policies, and provided national security advice during the 2024 campaign.
During his tenure as DNI, Ratcliffe focused on issues such as Iran’s military advancements, North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, and foreign interference in elections. His firm stance on China and the Middle East may suggest a similar approach should he take on the role of CIA director.
Since leaving office, Ratcliffe has criticized the Biden administration’s policies, particularly its handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a June article, he condemned President Biden’s threat to withhold military aid to Israel, arguing that it weakened a vital U.S. ally and emboldened adversaries in the region. He also criticized the administration for not being firm enough with Iran.
