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

Former Texas Congressman and ex-director of national intelligence assumes CIA leadership amid bipartisan Senate approval - Anadolu Ajansı

CIA nominee John Ratcliffe is telling senators about how he’ll reshape the intelligence community in what he calls "the most challenging national security environment in our nation’s history."

John Ratcliffe, who served as director of national intelligence in Trump’s first term, appeared likely to win easy confirmation after his appearance before the Senate Intelligence Committee, where he found a warm reception. No senator disclosed plans to oppose his nomination. (U.S. government)

The former Texas congressman said he wanted to the CIA to bring back the recruiting ideal of ‘a Ph.D. who could win a bar fight.’

Trump's pick to be CIA director promised in his confirmation hearing to hone in on setting strong intelligence collection priorities and "demanding relentless execution."

Ratcliffe, who served as President Donald Trump's director of national intelligence during part of Trump's first term in office, was appointed with 74 senators voting in favor and 24 voting against the appointment.

Ratcliffe, the former director of national intelligence in the final months of Trump’s first term, drew controversy over perceived politicization of intelligence assessments.

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill will question President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the CIA on his vision for America's premier spy agency

The Senate on Thursday confirmed John Ratcliffe as CIA director, giving President Donald Trump the second member of his new Cabinet.

Republicans and Democrats praised the former lawmaker and intelligence official, who vowed not to use political loyalty tests at the CIA.

President Trump's nominees for top posts in his administration are gearing up for their Senate confirmation hearings, which kicked off earlier this month.