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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, in response to reports that John Ratcliffe has been appointed to lead the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Accountable.US released the following statement, highlighting significant red flags about the potential further politicization of our intelligence community. 

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John Ratcliffe’s record demonstrates a troubling pattern of putting partisan politics above the critical responsibility of safeguarding national security. Ratcliffe’s ongoing ties to the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) and his involvement with Project 2025 suggest a dangerous agenda to weaponize our intelligence agencies for ideological purposes. Americans deserve leaders who will uphold the apolitical mandate of our intelligence services, not partisan operatives with a history of undermining trust and credibility. The Senate must carefully scrutinize this potential nomination and ensure that anyone entrusted with leading the CIA prioritizes the safety and security of all Americans over political allegiances. The CIA’s mission is too vital to be compromised by partisan agendas.”

Caroline Ciccone, President of Accountable.US

Ratcliffe’s initial nomination for Director of National Intelligence in 2019 was spiked by Senate Republicans, who expressed bipartisan concerns about his qualifications and allegations of resume inflation. These concerns only deepened following his confirmation in 2020, given his tenure’s track record of prioritizing political interests over impartial intelligence.

Additionally, Ratcliffe’s affiliation with America First Policy Institute, a think tank that seeks to overhaul federal government agencies to align with far-right priorities—raises serious concerns about the integrity of the CIA under his leadership. Ratcliffe is also a contributor to Project 2025, whose blueprint openly advocates for politicizing federal institutions, which risks turning agencies like the CIA into tools of partisan influence rather than protectors of national security.

During his tenure as Director of National Intelligence, Ratcliffe faced criticism for selectively declassifying information to support political narratives, including attempts to bolster former President Trump’s unfounded claims about election interference. These actions erode public trust in intelligence agencies and threaten the nonpartisan foundation required to protect the country from domestic and foreign threats. The consideration of John Ratcliffe—given his track record and affiliations—is a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to politicize institutions meant to serve the public good. Senate leaders must reject any nominee who poses a threat to the integrity of our intelligence community and the democratic values it is meant to protect.

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