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Trump picked John Ratcliffe, a former US spy, as the CIA chief in his new administration.
John Ratcliffe (AP Image)
US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) announced former director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in his new administration.
Trump, after the historic electoral win, is currently in the process of nominating his cabinet and members at key positions in his new administration starting after oath-taking in January next year.
Trump’s announcement has put all speculations to rest regarding the possibility of Indian-origin former Republican House staffer Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel being picked for the post of CIA chief.
What Did Trump Say In His Announcement?
Making the announcement about his nomination as the CIA chief, Trump sid that Ratcliffe will be a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights” of the citizens of the country and ensure “highest levels of National Security”.
“From exposing fake Russian collusion to be a Clinton campaign operation, to catching the FBI’s abuse of Civil Liberties at the FISA Court, John Ratcliffe has always been a warrior for Truth and Honesty with the American Public. When 51 intelligence officials were lying about Hunter Biden’s laptop, there was one, John Ratcliffe, telling the truth to the American People,” Trump said.
“I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation’s highest Intelligence positions. He will be a fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans, while ensuring the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH,” he added.
Who Is John Ratcliffe?
Ratcliffe served as the director of national intelligence towards the end of Trump’s first term in 2020 and is known to be a close ally of the Republican leader.
Ratcliffe was declared as the US’ top spy in May 2020, Reuters reported.
He was previously accused by Democrats and former intelligence officials of declassifying intelligence for Trump’s use to attack opponents, including Biden who was up against him in the presidency race. Ratcliffe had denied the charges.
His appointment as the CIA chief will need approval by the Senate.
Who Is Kash Patel?
Patel was speculated to be Trump’s next CIA chief as he served in high-ranking positions in the defence and intelligence communities during his first presidency. The Indian-origin former Republican House staffer has previously served as the former Chief of Staff to Acting Secretary of Defence Christopher Miller.
He played a crucial part in the making of “Nunes Memo” which was critical of the methods of the Justice Department in obtaining a surveillance warrant for a former campaign volunteer of Trump.
This led to his appointment to significant positions in the Trump administration, including the National Security Council (NSC) as a staffer, and went on to become Senior Director of the Counterterrorism Directorate.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
