Trump Appoints John Ratcliffe as CIA Director, Pledging to Defend Americans' Rights and National Security

President-elect Donald Trump has announced John Ratcliffe as his choice to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, selecting the former Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to bring a renewed commitment to national security and constitutional integrity. Trump’s statement highlighted Ratcliffe as a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans,” and pledged that his leadership would be grounded in the principle of “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”

Ratcliffe’s experience and conservative credentials make him a natural fit for the role. A former congressman from Texas and U.S. Attorney, he earned Trump’s trust during his time as DNI, where he took a firm stance against abuses in the intelligence community. Ratcliffe played a key role in exposing issues within the FBI and the Department of Justice, especially regarding the Russia investigation led by former Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Trump awarded Ratcliffe the National Security Medal in 2020, recognizing his efforts to expose “fake Russian collusion” as a Clinton campaign operation and his vigilance in protecting civil liberties during investigations.

During his tenure as DNI, Ratcliffe declassified sensitive information on the 2016 election, revealing allegations that the Clinton campaign orchestrated a “scandal” to tie Trump to Russian interference. “John Ratcliffe has always been a warrior for Truth and Honesty with the American Public,” Trump said, emphasizing Ratcliffe’s commitment to transparency in intelligence operations.

-Ratcliffe’s selection is part of a broader effort by Trump to shape an administration committed to conservative values and strong national security. This week, Trump also tapped former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) to head the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as Ambassador to Israel.

As CIA Director, Ratcliffe is expected to prioritize transparency, rein in abuses of power within the intelligence community, and protect Americans’ rights from government overreach. Ratcliffe’s leadership is likely to focus on critical intelligence reforms, ensuring that agencies like the CIA are held accountable and serve to protect, rather than undermine, American freedoms.

Trump’s pick highlights a clear commitment to reestablishing “peace through strength” in U.S. intelligence and sets the stage for a CIA that will uphold both national security and constitutional rights.

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