on january 20, 2020, prior to the senate impeachment trial, the trump administration announced ratcliffe as one of the congressional members of his impeachment team. upon the announcement, ratcliffe said, ""i took an oath to defend the constitution. this impeachment is an assault on due process. it’s an assault on the separation of powers. it’s unconstitutional. i’m grateful for the opportunity to make that clear to every american during the senate trial.”" ratcliffe worked with the white house for several weeks prior to the senate trial to prepare oral arguments and legal briefs. he was tapped for the position based off his legal background and effectiveness during impeachment proceedings in the house intelligence and judiciary committees.