John Ratcliffe

John Ratcliffe is the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) under the Trump administration. He is currently newsworthy due to his direct involvement in the controversial US military operation that resulted in the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Following the raid, Ratcliffe met with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, in Caracas, reportedly at President Trump's direction, to foster communication and build trust. This meeting occurred nearly two weeks after the Maduro seizure. Ratcliffe also participated in a briefing to Congress, alongside other top Trump officials, to defend the operation. His role is significant as it highlights the CIA's increased focus on Latin America and the Trump administration's aggressive foreign policy towards Venezuela.