CIA Chief Meets European Officials to Reassure on Intelligence Sharing
The Trump administration's unpredictable foreign policy has unsettled Europe’s trust in Washington’s intelligence cooperation. This week in Brussels, CIA Director John Ratcliffe held discreet meetings with top EU foreign and intelligence officials to convey a clear message: the U.S. remains a reliable partner.
Key Meetings and Participants
- Ratcliffe met with Kaja Kallas, the EU's lead diplomat.
- He also engaged senior figures from the EU Intelligence and Situation Center (INTCEN) and the EU Military Staff Intelligence Directorate (EUMS).
Three sources familiar with the discussions confirmed the meetings, emphasizing their quiet nature.
Purpose and Context of the Visit
Two officials explained that the visit aimed to calm doubts and reaffirm Washington's commitment to sharing intelligence with European allies. Concerns have grown due to the U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, particularly:
- Sudden policy changes on Ukraine, including the abrupt halt of battlefield intelligence sharing with Kyiv last March.
- An increased politicization of intelligence agencies by placing Trump loyalists in key roles.
John Ratcliffe’s Background
Ratcliffe is a former Republican congressman from Texas who gained prominence as a staunch supporter of President Trump. He notably confronted the first impeachment inquiry while serving on the House Intelligence Committee.
"Officially, Ratcliffe was in town to brief the North Atlantic Council, the political decision-making body of NATO," one diplomat noted.
This briefing was part of the effort to maintain strong transatlantic ties amid rising uncertainties.
Author’s Summary
John Ratcliffe’s quiet diplomacy in Brussels seeks to restore European trust in U.S. intelligence cooperation amid concerns over erratic foreign policy shifts under President Trump.