WASHINGTON _ President Donald Trump on Monday tweeted in support of his nominee for CIA director, Gina Haspel, saying she's "come under fire because she was too tough on Terrorists."
Haspel, a veteran undercover operative, faces stiff criticism from Democrats and some Republicans for her role in the agency's interrogation program during the George W. Bush administration, which involved waterboarding and other techniques that are widely considered torture.
On Sunday, the Washington Post reported that Haspel suggested withdrawing her nomination because of concerns about a difficult confirmation hearing, scheduled for Wednesday. After discussions with White House officials, she decided to stick it out, the report said.
Trump has been a supporter of torturing terrorists.
"I would bring back waterboarding, and I'd bring back a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding," he said during a primary debate with other Republican candidates in 2016.
But Haspel has reportedly told senators that she's not willing to revive the interrogation program, a stance echoed by some of her supporters.
"I can say for certain that Gina will not allow the agency to again be involved in similar programs," said John Sipher, a former CIA veteran.
