US President-Elect Donald Trump Appoints John Ratcliffe as CIA Director

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has appointed John Ratcliffe, a close ally and former director of national intelligence during the final phase of his first term, as the new director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

“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,” Trump said in a statement announcing the nomination.

John Ratcliffe, who previously served as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) during Trump’s first term, is set to become the first individual to hold both the CIA and DNI roles, if confirmed.

A staunch supporter of Trump, Ratcliffe led the U.S. intelligence community from May 2020 to January 2021, overseeing the country’s intelligence during a time of significant global challenges and domestic unrest.

Recently, Ratcliffe co-chaired the Center for American Security, a think tank aligned with Trump’s policy positions, and offered national security advice during the 2024 campaign.

In his previous DNI role, he focused on issues like Iran’s military development, North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, and foreign interference in elections, with strong stances on China and the Middle East.

These priorities may influence his approach to the CIA.

Post-office, Ratcliffe has been an outspoken critic of the Biden administration’s handling of the Middle East, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In a June article, he criticized Biden’s threat to withhold weapons from Israel, arguing it undermined a key U.S. ally and empowered adversaries, while also asserting that the administration had been too lenient on Iran.