In a move that’s sure to shake things up in Washington, John Ratcliffe is making a return as the newly announced director of the Central Intelligence Agency for President-elect Trump’s upcoming second term. Ratcliffe, no stranger to the spotlight or to shaking up the status quo, first served as Trump’s Director of National Intelligence (DNI), where he became a central figure in exposing the questionable tactics and missteps of major intelligence operations.
Trump made it clear he sees Ratcliffe as a “warrior for Truth and Honesty,” lauding him for exposing issues like the Clinton campaign’s involvement in the Russian collusion narrative and calling out the infamous 51 intelligence officials who dismissed Hunter Biden’s laptop as mere Russian disinformation. Trump’s endorsement of Ratcliffe isn’t just a casual nod, either. The former president awarded Ratcliffe the National Security Medal in 2020, marking him as a key figure in national security circles and highlighting his deep commitment to upholding the rule of law.
In returning to lead the CIA, Ratcliffe is poised to be the first person in U.S. history to have held both top intelligence roles—a clear sign Trump is determined to keep his allies close in a climate where loyalty and integrity are paramount. Trump praised Ratcliffe’s commitment to “Constitutional Rights” and his stance on “Peace Through Strength,” making it evident that national security under this administration won’t be taking a backseat.
And with good reason. Ratcliffe’s track record as DNI speaks for itself. While overseeing the U.S. intelligence community’s 17 agencies, he brought to light disturbing abuses within the FBI and shined a harsh spotlight on the FISA Court’s missteps—something Americans of all political leanings should want accountability for. Ratcliffe’s leadership brought fresh scrutiny to government oversight, a sorely needed development, especially when it comes to protecting civil liberties from intrusive and sometimes unconstitutional, actions by intelligence agencies.
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, expressed strong support for Ratcliffe, acknowledging that he has what it takes to confront growing threats from nations like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Turner noted that Ratcliffe’s experience will be invaluable in shoring up national security and protecting American interests both at home and abroad. Turner’s support is no small endorsement, especially from someone who is keenly aware of just how complex and interconnected these international threats have become.
Ratcliffe first came into the national spotlight during the House’s 2019 impeachment proceedings against Trump, where he was a key figure on Trump’s advisory team and took an active role in questioning witnesses. His statement back then still resonates today: calling the impeachment “the thinnest, fastest and weakest” in U.S. history, Ratcliffe firmly established himself as a voice against what many saw as a politically motivated attack. His staunch defense of Trump, along with his unapologetic approach to intelligence reform, won him allies in conservative circles and critics from the other side of the aisle.
Of course, Ratcliffe also faced his share of controversy, especially when he declassified intelligence that cast Democrats in an unfavorable light during the 2016 election. Though he acknowledged that the information might not be fully verified, Ratcliffe’s decision to release it spoke volumes about his commitment to transparency and his willingness to challenge established norms within the intelligence community.
If you are wondering who John Ratcliffe is, this clip will give you a glimpse.
This is exactly the man we need as CIA Director.
A must watch! pic.twitter.com/gtNZlUz3vV
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) November 12, 2024
By reappointing Ratcliffe to head the CIA, Trump has made it clear that his administration intends to bolster U.S. intelligence efforts with a no-nonsense, unapologetically pro-American approach. In Ratcliffe, Trump has chosen a leader who is unafraid to confront the internal and external threats to American security, someone who sees safeguarding constitutional liberties as central to his mission.
Ratcliffe’s return is welcome news for those who support a strong national defense grounded in transparency and accountability. It’s going to be interesting to see how he and his team navigate the rough waters ahead, but one thing’s for sure: they’ll be doing it with eyes wide open and a firm grip on the wheel.
