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Trump nominates John Ratcliffe for top intelligence post
[FoxNews] President Trump on Friday said he is nominating Texas Rep. John Ratcliffe to serve as Director of National Intelligence (DNI), months after the Republican congressman abruptly withdrew his name for the post."I am pleased to announce the nomination of @RepRatcliffe (Congressman John Ratcliffe) to be Director of National Intelligence (DNI)," the president tweeted. "Would have completed process earlier, but John wanted to wait until after IG Report was finished. John is an outstanding man of great talent!" Ratcliffe, a former federal prosecutor who had been a fierce defender of Trump and his agenda, was one of the most vocal critics of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Ratcliffe will likely face a fierce confirmation battle as Democrats have argued he was selected due to his loyalty rather than experience. In August, Trump announced that Ratcliffe would be withdrawing as his nominee for director of national intelligence just days after announcing him as his pick, citing his tough treatment at the hands of "the LameStream Media." In a tweet at the time, Trump said that Ratcliffe, whom he tapped to replace Dan Coats, will stay in Congress. But on Friday, he announced plans -- again -- to nominate Ratcliffe. Richard Grenell, the U.S. ambassador to Germany, was appointed last week by Trump to serve as acting DNI while Trump considered who he would nominate to take over the job more permanently. Grenell is an outspoken Trump loyalist with a large conservative following on Twitter and also the first openly gay person to serve in a cabinet-level position. Related: John Ratcliffe: 2020-02-09 FBI director admits: Yes, surveillance of Carter Page was illegal John Ratcliffe: 2019-10-09 What to expect from Inspector General Michael Horowitz's report on alleged FISA abuses John Ratcliffe: 2019-07-31 Trump: I think you've all learned, the intelligence agencies have run amok. Related: Richard Grenell: 2020-02-24 Richard Grenell Begins Overhauling Intelligence Office Richard Grenell: 2020-02-24 Dems Reportedly Severely Butt Hurt over Orange Man's Firing of DNI Richard Grenell: 2020-02-21 'Woke' Media Fail to Notice Historic Cabinet Appointment by Trump. Posted by: trailing wife 2020-03-02 |
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