Donald Trump taps John Ratcliffe, his former intelligence director, for CIA chief; calls him 'fearless fighter'

Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that John Ratcliffe, the former director of national intelligence, will lead the central intelligence agency (CIA) in his upcoming administration. "From exposing fake Russian collusion to be a Clinton campaign operation, to catching 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," Trump said.

Trump further noted, "When 51 intelligence officials were lying about Hunter Biden's laptop, there was one, John Ratcliffe, telling the truth to the American People."

Trump highlighted, "For these and many other reasons, it was my great honour in 2020 to award John the National Security Medal, the nation's highest honour for distinguished achievement in the field of Intelligence and National Security."

In his previous role as the sixth director of national intelligence, Ratcliffe led the US intelligence community and served as Trump's principal intelligence adviser during his first term.

Trump expressed confidence in Ratcliffe's appointment, 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."

Before his DNI appointment, Ratcliffe represented Texas's 4th Congressional District for over five years. During his time in Congress, he contributed significantly to national security policy through his positions on the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees, whilst also chairing Cybersecurity on the Homeland Security Committee.