Donald Trump names former intelligence chief John Ratcliffe to CIA director
WASHINGTON ? President-elect Donald Trump designated his former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, to become director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Prior to being appointed by Trump, Ratcliffe served as a Republican House member from Texas. From his seats on the Judiciary and Intelligence committees, Ratcliffe was a strong defender of Trump's. Some political observers viewed Ratcliffe as a contender to serve as the next attorney general.
"I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation’s highest Intelligence positions," Trump said in a Tuesday statement, which also included attacks against Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign and former intelligence officials over Hunter Biden's now-infamous laptop.
The announcement comes as Trump fills out his Cabinet and other top posts in preparation for his second term, which begins Jan. 20.
Democrats accused Ratcliffe of politicizing his intelligence post by contradicting career civil servants about Russian election interference on Trump's behalf. But he had assured senators at his confirmation hearing he wouldn't "shade" intelligence assessments to fit the president's views or policies.
"I will deliver the unvarnished truth," Ratcliffe said in May 2020.
Ratcliffe served as U.S. attorney for eastern Texas in 2007 and 2008. He served five years in the House before Trump named him director of national intelligence during his last year in office.
Between Trump administrations, Ratcliff has served as co-chairman of the Center for American Security, a think tank for security issues. The center is part of the America First Policy Institute, which served as an advocacy platform for numerous alumni of Trump's first administration.
Ratfcliffe earned his bachelor's degree from Notre Dame and law degree from Southern Methodist University.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump names former intelligence chief John Ratcliffe to CIA director