Leaders React to Coats Appointment
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowPresident-elect Donald Trump has chosen former U.S. Senator Dan Coats to serve as director of national intelligence. The selection of Coats, who did not seek reelection in 2016, has met with praise from national and state leaders from both sides of the aisle, including Governor-elect Eric Holcomb and U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly (D-IN).
Holcomb said:
Dan Coats is a personal friend and mentor. He is a trusted leader who will serve our nation well as our director of national intelligence. He has the ideal temperament and experience for the job, and his depth of knowledge on foreign policy is second to none. His appointment sends a strong message that an experienced statesman is in charge of this key area.
Donnelly said:
Dan has served Indiana and our country with honor and distinction for more than 35 years, including as a Congressman, Senator, and Ambassador. I am encouraged by reports of Dan’s nomination because he is clear-eyed about the intelligence threats we face, including from Vladimir Putin and Russia. I have full faith in Dan’s ability to lead our nation’s intelligence community and to provide critical counsel to the next Commander in Chief.
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-88) said:
Dan Coats has the experience, integrity and knowledge needed to serve as director of national intelligence, and I couldn’t be more proud to have one of Indiana’s own stepping into this critical role. From his time in the U.S. Senate to his experience as the U.S. ambassador to Germany, he has proven to be a true servant leader and patriot who always keeps the best interests of our country in mind.
Indiana Republican Party Chairman Jeff Cardwell said:
We are ecstatic with the selection of Dan Coats as the Director of National Intelligence. He has served our country for decades in many different roles; from soldier to Ambassador, to U.S. Senator. He is one of our most memorable political figures of our lifetime. His ability to discuss issues with civility and reason, all while acting in the best way possible for Hoosiers, have become legendary in Washington, D.C.
Hoosiers have been forever grateful for his service to Indiana, and we are thrilled to see his leadership on a national level once again. We wish him the best of luck in his newest endeavor.
Representative Jim Banks (R-03) said:
Dan Coats is an excellent choice for Director of National Intelligence, there’s no question. He is respected on both sides of the aisle and has worked on national security issues throughout his career in public service. It is exciting to have another Hoosier in close proximity to the next President.
Representative Luke Messer (R-06) said:
Dan Coats is a fantastic choice to lead the intelligence community and assist President-elect Donald Trump as Director of National Intelligence. Dan has extraordinary judgment, a level head and is an expert in the field. Throughout his career, Dan has always put his country first, and I have no doubt he will bring that approach to this new job.
Representative Todd Rokita (R-04) said:
By nominating Indiana’s own Senator Dan Coats to serve as Director of National Intelligence, President-elect Donald Trump has shown Americans that he is serious about keeping our country safe during this dangerous time. Dan Coats has the knowledge and experience necessary for the job, and will ensure that our national intelligence community is run with Hoosier common-sense. I am very proud to be a fellow Hoosier today.