Richard Grenell, the ambassador to Germany, is acting director of national intelligence, but President Trump intends to nominate Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX) to become its permanent head. The president tweeted the announcement Friday afternoon.
“I am pleased to announce the nomination of Rep. Ratcliffe (Congressman John Ratcliffe) to be Director of National Intelligence (DNI),” Trump 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!”
I am pleased to announce the nomination of @RepRatcliffe (Congressman John Ratcliffe) to be Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Would have completed process earlier, but John wanted to wait until after IG Report was finished. John is an outstanding man of great talent!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 28, 2020
Ratcliffe was one of the president’s bulldogs during the Democrats’ bogus impeachment push. He was later tapped to be on Trump’s defense team in the Senate when the articles passed the House. At the time, he said he expected a quick trial as the evidence concerning the articles of impeachment was absurdly weak (via McClatchy):
Rep. John Ratcliffe — a member of President Donald Trump’s impeachment team who said he has spent weeks working behind the scenes with White House lawyers — said Tuesday that while “it’s going to get ugly,” he expects a short Senate trial ending in a bipartisan acquittal for the president.
“The House Democrats had a weak case even on a slanted playing field where they made the rules, changed the rules and broke the rules to their advantage. On a level playing field it’s going to get ugly. I expect a short trial. No witnesses. An early acquittal for President Trump,” the Dallas Republican said in a Tuesday morning interview on “Fox and Friends.”
Republicans control 53 of the Senate’s 100 seats. No Democrat has expressed support for acquittal. Sixty-seven votes would be required for removal.
Now, we need Ratcliffe to be just as aggressive cleaning house with the deep state clowns within the administration. Good pick, Mr. President.