John Ratcliffe's Confirmation Hearing for CIA Director
John Ratcliffe, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for CIA director, promised the Senate Intelligence Committee that the agency would refocus on its intelligence-gathering mission if he was confirmed. He emphasized the importance of collecting intelligence, especially human intelligence, and producing objective analysis free from political bias.
Ratcliffe acknowledged the significant challenges facing the U.S. in the national security landscape and stressed the need for a prepared and capable CIA director. He outlined his priorities as setting and communicating clear priorities and demanding relentless execution.
The hearing remained civil, with no Democrats expressing opposition to Ratcliffe's nomination. However, some Democrats raised concerns about politicization within the CIA and the need to ensure respect and value for the intelligence community. Ratcliffe pledged to resist political pressure and protect career civil servants.
The committee plans to vote on advancing Ratcliffe's nomination as soon as possible, potentially as early as Monday afternoon. Ratcliffe is considered a more traditional choice than some of Trump's other picks, having served in a Senate-confirmed position and as a member of Congress.
Despite criticism for declassifying Russian intelligence during the 2020 election, Ratcliffe has consistently warned of the threat posed by China to U.S. interests. He has emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to understand and address this threat.
13 Comments
Comandante
The Democrats are right to be concerned about politicization within the CIA. Ratcliffe's nomination needs to be carefully considered.
Africa
The CIA needs to be independent and objective. Ratcliffe's close ties to Trump make me concerned he'll be a political pawn.
Coccinella
I'm glad to see Ratcliffe prioritize rebuilding trust and cooperation within the intelligence community. This is essential for effective intelligence gathering.
lettlelenok
I'm confident that Ratcliffe will be a strong and effective leader for the CIA. He has the experience and qualifications necessary for the job.
dedus mopedus
I'm not comfortable with someone who consistently warns about the threat of China without evidence. This sounds like fear-mongering to me.
ytkonos
I believe Ratcliffe's experience in Congress and the Senate will be valuable assets for the CIA. He understands the importance of working with both parties.
Eugene Alta
I'm not comfortable with someone who has declassified sensitive information for political gain. This raises serious questions about Ratcliffe's judgment and trustworthiness.
Noir Black
I'm glad to see someone with a strong understanding of the intelligence community nominated for CIA director. This will be crucial for effective leadership.
BuggaBoom
It's reassuring to hear Ratcliffe pledge to resist political pressure and protect career civil servants. The CIA needs to be independent and apolitical.
KittyKat
I'm worried about Ratcliffe's close ties to Trump and the potential for political interference in the CIA. We need a leader who will put the agency's interests first.
Katchuka
Declassifying Russian intelligence during the election? That's a dangerous precedent to set. I'm worried about his judgment and potential for politicization.
Loubianka
Ratcliffe's record is worrying. He's been accused of exaggerating evidence and politicizing intelligence. He's not the right person to lead the CIA.
Rotfront
I'm glad to hear Ratcliffe prioritize the protection of career civil servants. The CIA needs to be able to retain its best and brightest minds.