Senator Elizabeth Warren: Gina Haspel "Can't Be Trusted" to Lead CIA

By Tori Bedford, WGBH

12 May 18

en. Elizabeth Warren is calling for her fellow senators to reject the nomination of Gina Haspel as director of the CIA, arguing that Haspel’s involvement in a controversial Bush-era interrogation program after 9/11 should disqualify her from the position.

“I can’t support her,” Warren said during an interview with Boston Public Radio Thursday. “I think this is not a good place for us to be, and I thought the hearing yesterday really emphasized that.”

Following a contentious five-hour hearing, Haspel appeared to secure the support she needed to have her nomination reported favorably to the full Senate.

Shortly after, Sen. John McCain issued a statement urging his colleagues to vote against Haspel’s nomination. McCain, who was tortured as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, said Haspel’s role in overseeing the use of torture is “disturbing.”

“Her refusal to acknowledge torture's immorality is disqualifying,” McCain wrote. “I believe the Senate should exercise its duty of advice and consent and reject this nomination.”

Warren told WGBH News she agrees with McCain. “If she’s not wrestling with those questions, if she’s not showing that down at it’s core she gets how that violates basic American principles, then she’s not a person who can be trusted in that kind of position,” Warren said. “I will join Sen. McCain in saying no on this nomination.”

Haspel was tapped by President Trump to take the place of now-secretary of state Mike Pompeo. The vote to confirm Haspel has yet to be scheduled.