Incoming President Donald Trump's nominee for Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director assessed Wednesday that North Korea remains a "destabilizing" force, as he stressed America faces what may be the "most challenging" national security environment in its history.

CIA nominee John Ratcliffe is telling senators about how he’ll reshape the intelligence community in what he calls "the most challenging national security environment in our nation’s history."

John Ratcliffe, who served as director of national intelligence during Trump’s first term, is a former federal prosecutor and conservative member of Congress representing a district in Texas. He was a fierce defender of Trump during his first impeachment proceedings in the House.

Ratcliffe identified China as the U.S.'s greatest geopolitical rival as he testified before the Senate on Wednesday.

John Ratcliffe, who served as director of national ... as America’s greatest geopolitical rival, with Russia, Iran, North Korea and drug cartels, hacking gangs and terrorist organizations ...

John Ratcliffe, who served as director of national ... as America's greatest geopolitical rival, with Russia, Iran, North Korea and drug cartels, hacking gangs and terrorist organizations also ...

Video above: John Ratcliffe says 'we face what may be the ... with Russia, Iran, North Korea and drug cartels, hacking gangs and terrorist organizations also posing challenges to national security.

Trump’s first confirmed cabinet appointment, Rubio entered the department through its main entrance to loud applause and cheers before addressing his new employees in the same lobby in which former Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered farewell remarks to the building Friday.

The Washington Times’ Stephen Dinan looks at the new president’s moves, reporting that Mr. Trump is harnessing the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a leftover from the founding era that allows detention and deportation of hostile forces — to be used specifically against the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang and other violent international cartels and gangs.

As Trump re-enters the White House, he no doubt believes that conflict with China can be avoided as long as the United States negotiates from a position of strength.

As C.I.A. director, William J. Burns was deeply focused on China and Russia when the Middle East conflict plunged him back into his old life.

In today’s edition … U.S. Conference of Mayors leader praises Biden, is eager to work with Trump … Trump nominees face easier-than-expected confirmation hearings.