Trump loyalist John Ratcliffe nominated to be director of national intelligence

President Donald Trump said on Friday that he intends to nominate Rep. John Ratcliffe, a Republican from Texas, as his permanent director of national intelligence. I am pleased to announce the nomination of RepRatcliffe (Congressman John Ratcliffe) to be Director of National Intelligence (DNI)," Trump said on Twitter. "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 had been nominated as Trump's DNI pick after Dan Coats stepped down from the post in July 2019, but the Texas congressman withdrew his name from consideration after lawmakers from both parties raised concerns about his qualifications. Mr Ratcliffe - who sits on Congress's Ethics and Intelligence Committees - is a Trump loyalist.The White House is hopeful that Ratcliffe will be able to be confirmed this time around. This is the second time the President has attempted to make the loyalist lawmaker his spy chief. Check out Donald Trump's Twitter post here....

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