U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe to serve as director of the CIA, the former president said in a statement Tuesday.

Ratcliffe, a Trump loyalist whose lack of national security credentials raised eyebrows at the time, served as the country’s spy chief for eight months until Trump’s term ended.

"He will be a fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans, while ensuring the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH," Trump said in a statement.