Who is John Ratcliffe, Trump's new CIA director?

HOUSTON, United States

John Ratcliffe, former director of national intelligence (DNI) during Donald Trump’s first term, has been sworn in as the new director of the CIA following US Senate confirmation in a 74-25 bipartisan vote on Thursday.

Despite the broad support, his appointment has sparked some controversy.

Ratcliffe is the first individual to have held both the DNI and CIA director positions. As DNI, he oversaw all 18 US intelligence agencies, including the CIA.

In his new role, Ratcliffe has pledged to intensify the CIA’s covert operations and strengthen intelligence efforts, particularly against China, a nation he views as the primary adversary of the United States.

“I will unapologetically empower the most talented, hardest-working, and most courageous risk-takers and innovators to protect the American people and advance America’s interests,” Ratcliffe stated during his confirmation hearing. “I will not tolerate anything or anyone that distracts from our mission.”

While a staunch Trump ally, Ratcliffe assured the Senate of his commitment to providing unvarnished intelligence, even if it contradicts presidential expectations.

Political career and loyalty to Trump

A former Republican Congressman from Texas, Ratcliffe represented the 4th Congressional District from 2015 to 2020. Prior to that, he served as the mayor of Heath, Texas, from 2004 to 2012.

Throughout his political career, Ratcliffe has been a vocal supporter of Trump. He defended the former president during his first impeachment trial in 2019 and backed him during the contentious aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.

Focus on China amid criticism

Critics have questioned Ratcliffe’s objectivity, particularly regarding which nations should be prioritized in CIA intelligence operations. Like Trump, Ratcliffe has downplayed the threat posed by Russia while emphasizing China’s economic, military, and technological ambitions.

In a December 2020 Wall Street Journal op-ed, Ratcliffe warned of China’s global aspirations, stating: “The intelligence is clear: Beijing intends to dominate the US and the rest of the planet economically, militarily and technologically.”

“Many of China’s major public initiatives and prominent companies offer only a layer of camouflage to the activities of the Chinese Communist Party” he continued.

Trump has also doubled down on his stance against China, hinting at a potential revival of the tariff war from his first term. The president has threatened to impose import taxes on Chinese goods ranging from 60% to 100%, further heightening tensions.

Bipartisan support and challenges ahead

Despite concerns about Ratcliffe’s perceived alignment with Trump’s views, his Senate confirmation reflects bipartisan support, including acknowledgment from the previous Biden administration. Ratcliffe’s warnings about foreign influence—particularly from China, Russia, and Iran—during the 2020 election gained credibility among intelligence officials.

National security experts remain focused on China’s economic espionage, cyberattacks, technological advancements, and its disputes over Taiwan’s political independence. Ratcliffe’s leadership will be closely monitored as he navigates these challenges as the director of the CIA.