John Ratcliffe

At a glance

John Ratcliffe became CIA director on January 23, 2025, following earlier service as Director of National Intelligence from May 2020 to January 2021. His background includes representing Texas’s Fourth Congressional District and federal prosecution in the Eastern District of Texas.

Summary sources: [1] [2]

Career and documented accomplishments

• The CIA biography records a government and international-studies bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame and a law degree from Southern Methodist University. [1]
• His earlier work included national-security prosecution, service as U.S. attorney, congressional intelligence and homeland-security responsibilities, and private law practice. [1]

Role and nomination context

• The CIA director manages foreign-intelligence collection, analysis, counterintelligence, covert action and liaison with foreign services. The office reports to the Director of National Intelligence. [1]
• The CIA’s dated announcement records the January 23 oath administered by the Vice President, providing evidence of taking office beyond the nomination alone. [2]

Sources and review date

Career and role sources reviewed Oct 14, 2026. These sources may describe developments beyond the nomination snapshot; each nomination entry retains its recorded date and outcome.

1. CIA director John L. Ratcliffe: biography and role

   Central Intelligence Agency. Reviewed Oct 14, 2026.

2. John Ratcliffe sworn in: January 23, 2025

   Central Intelligence Agency. Reviewed Oct 14, 2026.