US intelligence chief leaves Trump administration

The US director of national intelligence, Dan Coats, has become the latest high-profile figure to leave the Trump administration.President Donald Trump tweeted Mr Coats would step down in mid-August and that he would nominate the Texan congressman John Ratcliffe to replace him.

He said Mr Ratcliffe would lead and “inspire greatness for the country” he loved.Mr Coats and Mr Trump have often been at odds over Russia and North Korea.In January the president called his intelligence chiefs passive and naive in their assessment of the threat posed by Iran.

A year ago, Mr Coats laughed in surprise when he heard that the US president was going to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for a summit in Finland.”That’s going to be special,” said an amused Mr Coats, when he was told the news at a public event.

He later apologised for his reaction, saying “my admittedly awkward response was in no way meant to be disrespectful or criticise the actions of the president”.