John Lee Ratcliffe, born October 20, 1965, in Mount Prospect, Illinois, is an American politician and attorney. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Studies from the University of Notre Dame and a Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University School of Law.

Ratcliffe served as the U.S. Representative for Texas’s 4th congressional district from 2015 to 2020. During his tenure, he was recognized as one of the most conservative members of Congress. In 2020, he was appointed as the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) under President Donald Trump, overseeing the U.S. intelligence community until 2021.

On November 12, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Ratcliffe as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). This nomination marks a significant move, as Ratcliffe would be the first individual to have led both the DNI and the CIA. His prior experience in intelligence and national security positions him as a notable candidate for this role.

Ratcliffe’s nomination has garnered attention due to his previous tenure as DNI and his close alignment with President Trump. Supporters highlight his commitment to national security and intelligence reform, while critics express concerns about potential politicization of intelligence operations.

If confirmed, Ratcliffe will lead the CIA in addressing complex global challenges, including cybersecurity threats, counterterrorism efforts, and geopolitical tensions. His leadership is anticipated to influence the agency’s strategic direction and operational priorities in the coming years.

Ratcliffe resides in Heath, Texas, with his wife, Michele, and their two daughters.