CIA Nominee John Ratcliffe Testifies Before Senate on Plans to Reshape Intelligence Community
CIA nominee John Ratcliffe appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday to discuss his plans for reshaping the intelligence community in what he called “the most challenging national security environment in our nation’s history.” Ratcliffe, who previously served as director of national intelligence during President-elect Trump’s first term, outlined the nation’s biggest threats, including China, the border, the Russia-Ukraine war, the risk of nuclear fallout, Iran, North Korea, and “increasing coordination among America’s rivals.”
Ratcliffe emphasized the need to depoliticize the agency and eliminate any distractions to its core mission of obtaining intelligence. He also signaled plans to increase the agency’s capacity to obtain human intelligence “in every corner of the globe, no matter how dark or difficult.” Additionally, he promised to recruit agents who can produce insightful, objective, all-source analysis and conduct covert action at the direction of the president.
Ratcliffe also highlighted the need for the CIA to focus on expanding human intelligence and increasing coordination with the private sector, including through rotations that allow CIA agents to work in the private sector or allow private employees to join the CIA in mid-career appointments. He spoke about the importance of investigating anomalous health incidents like Havana Syndrome.
The hearing comes as Ratcliffe’s nomination is set to be voted on by the Senate. His confirmation would follow the confirmation of other Trump nominees, including Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick to lead the Defense Department, and Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s choice to oversee all intelligence agencies.
