Washington, D.C. — Following President Donald Trump’s announcement that he intends to nominate Gina Haspel to become the next director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Kelly Magsamen, vice president for National Security and International Policy at the Center for American Progress, issued the following statement:
The U.S. Senate should reject Gina Haspel’s nomination to be the next director of the CIA. Haspel was directly involved in one of the CIA’s darkest moments in history—one that undermined U.S. national security and left a stain on America’s reputation. Haspel was directly involved in the agency’s detention and interrogation program, overseeing one of the CIA’s secret prisons. Haspel also helped cover it up when she signed the cable ordering the destruction of video tapes documenting the CIA’s use of torture and abusive interrogation practices. Some actions are so egregious that they are disqualifying for high office despite the individual’s other qualifications or experience.
The CIA is full of hardworking public servants who serve their country silently and valiantly every day. They do so by living up to the oath they take to the Constitution, not any political party or president. They deserve to be led by someone whose professional record, judgment, and integrity is without question.
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