John Ratcliffe confirmed as next CIA director

John Ratcliffe’s confirmation as the next director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) marks a significant milestone in President Donald Trump’s cabinet appointments. The Senate’s full approval of Ratcliffe came after a 14-3 vote by the Senate Intelligence Committee on Monday evening, paving the way for his confirmation on the Senate floor. With a final vote of 74-25, Ratcliffe was confirmed as the new CIA director.

Ratcliffe previously served as Trump’s Director of National Intelligence (DNI) from May 2020 until January 2021. During his time as DNI, Ratcliffe faced scrutiny over his qualifications for the role and concerns about his loyalty to Trump potentially influencing his judgment. Despite these challenges, Ratcliffe’s nomination was ultimately approved along party lines.

Prior to his role as DNI, Ratcliffe was a member of the House of Representatives, representing Texas’s 4th Congressional District since 2015. He also served on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence during his tenure in Congress.

Ratcliffe’s confirmation as CIA director has received support from some Democrats, including Rep. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate’s intelligence committee, who voted in favor of Ratcliffe’s confirmation.

During his confirmation hearings, Ratcliffe emphasized his commitment to eliminating politicization and “wokeness” within the CIA’s workforce. He also expressed his intention to focus on the agency’s technological capabilities, highlighting the need to keep pace with advancements in the private sector.

Additionally, Ratcliffe is expected to adopt a tough stance on China, according to sources close to him cited by the Wall Street Journal.

Ratcliffe’s confirmation makes him the second of Trump’s nominees to receive congressional approval, following Marco Rubio. The Republican-controlled Senate has committed to expediting the confirmation process for the remaining nominees, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune pledging to work “nights, weekends, recesses” until all appointments are finalized.

The confirmation of John Ratcliffe as CIA director underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening national security and intelligence capabilities, as well as ensuring effective leadership within the agency.