WASHINGTON—The Heritage Foundation announced Thursday that former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe is joining the organization as a visiting fellow for national security, cybersecurity, and intelligence.

At Heritage, Ratcliffe will focus on chairing a forthcoming project to hold China accountable for COVID-19, advising Heritage leadership on national security and intelligence policy, and helping Project 2025 build out policy recommendations for intelligence reform in the next presidential administration. 

“Former DNI Ratcliffe brings a wealth of knowledge and unique insight when it comes to the national security issues this country faces,” Heritage President Dr. Kevin Roberts said. “I am thrilled he is joining Heritage as we continue to safeguard the nation from threats abroad as well as work to rein in unaccountable federal agencies and protect the American people from an increasingly weaponized federal government here at home.” 

Ratcliffe added, “Throughout my public service, I have both admired and often relied upon The Heritage Foundation’s incredible work in advancing conservative policies, which have improved America’s national security posture. I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to now contribute to those efforts as a visiting fellow.” 

Victoria Coates, who will serve as vice president of the Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy starting Aug. 1, welcomed Ratcliffe to Heritage. 

“My team and I look forward to working with former DNI Ratcliffe on a wide range of issues,” Coates said. “His fearless commitment to America’s national security and staunch conservative principles make him a perfect fit for the Heritage family.” 

Ratcliffe served as director of national intelligence from May 2020 until the end of the Trump administration. As DNI, he oversaw the U.S. intelligence community and directed the National Intelligence Program. 

Prior to the Trump administration, he represented Texas’ 4th District in Congress from 2015 until 2020. He served as a strong conservative member, sitting on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Intelligence committees and serving as ranking member of the Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security subcommittee.