Trump first tapped Ratcliffe to serve as director of national intelligence in 2019, but he quickly withdrew from consideration after lawmakers raised questions about his qualifications. He was ultimately confirmed by a sharply divided Senate after Trump resubmitted the nomination.

The Senate intelligence committee opened a confirmation hearing on Wednesday for President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be CIA director, John Ratcliffe, a former Republican lawmaker who was accused of using intelligence for political ends as the nation’s top spy during the incoming U.

Sen. Mark Kelly reiterated on Sunday his continuing concern about the judgment of Tulsi Gabbard, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, saying she had a “predilection for misinformation.

The Senate Intelligence Committee will begin hearings soon after the new Congress takes its seats on Jan. 3. The attacks on her started early. On Nov. 13, “Nearly 100 former senior U.S. diplomats and intelligence and national security officials,” as AP described them, signed a letter calling for closed-door hearings.

John Ratcliffe, who served as director of national intelligence during Trump's first term, is a former federal prosecutor and conservative member of Congress representing a district in Texas. He was a fierce defender of Trump during his first impeachment proceedings in the House.

John Ratcliffe, President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the CIA, has told members of the Senate that the nation's premier spy agency can do better.

President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for CIA director, John Ratcliffe, is at his confirmation hearing Wednesday morning with the Senate Intelligence Committee.

John Ratcliffe, Trump’s Choice For CIA Director, Testifies At Senate Confirmation Hearing Former Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX), President-elect Trump's nominee for Director of the CIA, participates in a confirmation hearing held by the Senate Intelligence Committee.