Senator Ron Wyden has sent a cryptic letter to CIA Director John Ratcliffe, expressing “deep concerns” about the agency’s activities. The Oregon Democrat, who serves on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, posted a brief note on Wednesday alerting Ratcliffe to an earlier classified letter.
“I write to alert you to a classified letter I sent you earlier today, in which I express deep concerns about CIA activities,” Wyden wrote. “Thank you for your attention to this important matter.” The nature of the activities—whether domestic or foreign—remains unclear, and Wyden’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
The CIA dismissed Wyden’s concerns, with spokesperson Liz Lyons stating: “During recent congressional briefings, CIA earned bicameral, bipartisan praise for its historic contributions and widespread recognition of the Agency’s exceptional performance under Director Ratcliffe. Ironic but unsurprising that Senator Wyden is unhappy. Badge of honor.”
Wyden, a long-time critic of the Trump administration, has previously questioned President Trump over a Rolex watch and gold bar he accepted from a European businessman, and accused immigration agents of “lawless” behaviour. His letter comes amid recent intelligence community developments, including plans for a permanent CIA presence in Venezuela and a whistleblower complaint against Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
