Our intelligence agencies are in a state of crisis — plagued by politically motivated scandals and investigations that have shaken this country’s confidence. We need a Director of National Intelligence who will restore our country’s trust in the Intelligence Community and ensure the safety and security of all Americans.
My friend, Congressman John Ratcliffe, is the person for the job.
Last week’s revelations that the FBI intentionally ousted former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn show just how necessary a leadership change is for our IC. Unfortunately, this revelation is just the latest in a long line of scandals and illegal conduct within the deep state of our intelligence swamp.
The FBI has initiated dozens of politically motivated investigations aimed at President Trump and his administration in recent years.
Take, for example, the FBI’s use of the so-called Steele Dossier, which is now believed to be part of a Russian misinformation campaign. The DOJ and FBI used this document that former FBI Director James Comey once called “salacious and unverified” to obtain a FISA warrant to surveil Trump campaign associate Carter Page. Then, in December 2019, we learned that an FBI lawyer falsified evidence that was submitted to the FISA court. By doctoring emails, the FBI was able to continue illegally surveilling Page.
We also know the FBI and DOJ failed to provide evidence to the FISA court. Critical errors and omissions were made in relation to at least four separate FISA warrant applications involving Trump campaign officials.
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But the FBI and DOJ’s scandals date further back than just the current administration. Starting in 2011, the FBI surveilled journalists, including Sharyl Attkisson and James Rosen, who wrote embarrassing stories about the Obama administration.
The list of scandals goes on — and these are not mistakes. They are serious, systemic abuses of power that undermine the Intelligence Community’s reputation and credibility.
Our intelligence agencies have run amok for too long, putting political interests over national security. We need a Director of National Intelligence who will put an end to these partisan attacks and restore the credibility of the scandal-ridden Intelligence Community.
In my five years working alongside John Ratcliffe, I know him to be a hard-working, intelligent lawmaker who seeks truth and justice over carrying out political vendettas. His 15-plus years of experience in national security-related issues have prepared him to lead the Intelligence Community now.
Prior to serving the people of Texas’s 4th District in Congress, Ratcliffe worked as the Chief of Anti-Terrorism and National Security for the Eastern District of Texas and later in a role as a U.S. Attorney where he managed a docket of national security and terrorism-related matters.
I also proudly served alongside Ratcliffe on the House Judiciary Committee, including when we questioned former FBI Director James Comey about the Bureau’s investigation into Hillary Clinton’s improper use of a private email server. Ratcliffe threw heavy punches aimed at Comey’s improper handling of the matter, seeking justice for the American people at every step.
His commitment to oversight and pursuit of the truth will always be his top priorities. I trust that Ratcliffe will make sure the president and policymakers get straightforward, critical insights as Director of National Intelligence.
John Ratcliffe will lead our nation’s Intelligence Community with integrity and will put America’s interests first — today, tomorrow, and always.
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