Donald Trump picks former US spy John Ratcliffe as CIA chief, Kash Patel misses out on top role

US President-elect Donald Trump picked John Ratcliffe, a former spy, to serve as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on Tuesday (Nov12).

Earlier there were talks that Indian-origin Kash Patel, a Republican House staffer, was in line for the same role. However, with Trump’s recent announcement, it is clear as a bell that Patel has been snubbed as Ratcliffe is set to lead.

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. He has previously served as the former Chief of Staff to Acting Secretary of Defence Christopher Miller.

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Ratcliffe, on the other hand, is a close aide to Trump and served as director of National Intelligence (DNI) at the end of his term in 2020. He was confirmed as the nation’s top spy in May 2020, eight months before Trump left office, Reuters reported.

In a statement on Tuesday, 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."

Ratcliffe is one of the biggest critics of Biden’s Middle East policy. In a June 2024 article, he argued that Biden’s threat to stop weapons shipments to Israel over its military actions in Gaza had put a key ally to risk. He also argued that the administration had not been tough enough on Iran.

Who is John Ratcliffe, new director of CIA in Trump 2.0 administration?

John Ratcliffe, a politician and an attorney, who served as the DNI from 2020 to 2021, is a close ally of the Republicans and President-elect Trump. Before his nomination as DNI, Ratcliffe served in Congress for over five years as the US Representative for the 4th Congressional District of Texas.

While confirming his nomination for DNI in 2020, Ratcliffe said he would provide “objective and timely intelligence” in the position. He also said he would closely monitor other issues, such as Iran’s military, North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, and foreign interference in the US election.

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However, Ratcliffe was accused by Democrats and former intelligence officials of declassifying intelligence for use by Trump and his Republican allies to attack political opponents, including Joe Biden, a charge Ratcliffe’s office has denied.

Several news outlets, including Reuters, also reported on concerns that Ratcliffe exaggerated his counter-terrorism experience as a federal prosecutor in Texas.

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Interestingly, when Ratcliffe was confirmed as DNI in 2020 by the Republican-majority Senate, all Democratic senators voted against his nomination, citing his lack of experience and partisanship.

But with Republicans regaining control of the chamber next year, he is expected to be easily approved this time.

(With inputs from agencies)