New US Intelligence Director John Ratcliffe in Washington December 9, 2019. - Doug Mills / AP / SIPA

This time the American president went to the end of his idea. Donald Trump on Friday appointed Republican MP John Ratcliffe to head the U.S. intelligence service. However, six months earlier he had given up on entrusting him with this delicate post in the face of criticism of his lack of experience.

A staunch supporter of Trump

"John is an exceptional man of great talent," said the tenant of the White House. This Texas elected representative in the House of Representatives is thus rewarded, he who is one of the President's fiercest defenders. In this position, he will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of the CIA, the NSA and 15 other intelligence agencies.

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

Donald Trump had already announced in early August his intention to promote John Ratcliffe director of national intelligence (DNI). But the choice of this candidate, former mayor of a wealthy suburb of Dallas, and federal prosecutor for just one year, in 2007, had been criticized in particular by the Democratic opposition, because of his lack of experience and his dedication to the president. The Republican president had finally given up on choosing him, denouncing in passing "the very unfair manner" in which he had been treated by the media.

Joseph Maguire, then chief of anti-terrorism, had therefore been responsible for ensuring the interim after the departure on August 15 of Dan Coats with whom he had frequently disagreed. Donald Trump had sometimes ignored the advice of his DNI, keeping him out of many files, including on Russia or North Korea.

The appointment of John Ratcliffe raises fears of a takeover of the intelligence services by the president. It has yet to be confirmed by the Senate, where the Republicans are the majority.

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