CIA Nominee Offered to Quit Over Interrogation Background

Gina Haspel's role in agency's past techniques has sparked controversy
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted May 6, 2018 3:30 PM CDT
White House Reassured CIA Nominee Amid Controversy
CIA Deputy Director Gina Haspel   (CIA via AP)

Gina Haspel, President Trump's nominee to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, offered to withdraw her nomination amid concerns that a debate over a harsh interrogation program would tarnish her reputation and that of the CIA. That's according to two senior administration officials speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, per the AP.

White House officials on Friday sought out additional details about Haspel's involvement in the CIA's now-defunct program of brutally interrogating terror suspects after 9/11 as they prepared her for Wednesday's confirmation hearing. That is when she offered to withdraw. The officials reassured Haspel that her nomination was still on track and she had the president's support. They say Haspel, who is the CIA's acting director, will not withdraw. (More Gina Haspel stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X