What’s next for CIA under John Ratcliffe's leadership?

John Ratcliffe, former director of national intelligence (DNI) under President Donald Trump, was confirmed as the new CIA director on January 24 after a 74-25 vote in the US Senate, receiving broad bipartisan approval.

However, his appointment has not come without its share of controversy, as noted in an analysis by Anadolu Agency, per Caliber.Az.

Ratcliffe, who is the first person to hold both the DNI and CIA director positions, previously oversaw all 18 US intelligence agencies, including the CIA, during his tenure as DNI. Now, as CIA director, he has committed to ramping up covert operations and enhancing intelligence efforts, particularly against China, which he considers the United States’ foremost adversary.

“I will unapologetically empower the most talented, hardest-working, and most courageous risk-takers and innovators to protect the American people and advance America’s interests,” Ratcliffe stated during his confirmation hearing. “I will not tolerate anything or anyone that distracts from our mission.”

A political ally of Trump

Ratcliffe, a former Republican Congressman from Texas who served from 2015 to 2020, has long been a staunch supporter of Donald Trump. He defended the former president during Trump’s first impeachment trial in 2019 and continued to back him throughout the turbulent aftermath of the 2020 election.

His loyalty to Trump has led to concerns among critics regarding his objectivity in intelligence matters. Specifically, his prioritization of China over Russia has raised questions about his approach to global security threats. While Trump has often downplayed the threat from Russia, Ratcliffe has echoed his predecessor’s stance, consistently highlighting China’s growing influence.

In a December 2020 op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, Ratcliffe warned of China’s global ambitions, claiming, "The intelligence is clear: Beijing intends to dominate the US and the rest of the planet economically, militarily, and technologically." He also suggested that many of China’s major initiatives and companies were merely fronts for the Chinese Communist Party’s true activities.

China as a key focus amid criticism

Ratcliffe’s emphasis on China as the primary threat to US national security, while minimizing the risk posed by Russia, has drawn sharp criticism from some quarters. However, his views align with Trump’s approach to China, which included the potential revival of the tariff war from Trump’s first term and threats to impose steep import taxes on Chinese goods.

Ratcliffe’s stance has been further scrutinized in light of his past comments, including his claims that China’s technological advancements, economic espionage, and cyberattacks pose a major threat to US interests. With tensions rising over issues such as Taiwan’s political status, Ratcliffe’s leadership in addressing these challenges will be closely watched.

Bipartisan confirmation and future challenges

Despite concerns about his political ties, Ratcliffe’s Senate confirmation reflects significant bipartisan support. His warnings about foreign influence—especially from China, Russia, and Iran—during the 2020 election resonated with many intelligence officials, further solidifying his credibility.

As CIA director, Ratcliffe will face major challenges, particularly in countering China’s increasingly aggressive global strategy. National security experts will be closely monitoring his approach to addressing China’s cyberattacks, technological ambitions, and growing influence on the world stage. His leadership could prove crucial as the US navigates its response to these evolving threats.

By Tamilla Hasanova