CIA Nominee Accused of Torture Stands Before The Senate

CIA nominee Gina Haspel testifies during a confirmation hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee, on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Washington.
CIA nominee Gina Haspel testifies during a confirmation hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee, on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Washington. AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
CIA nominee Gina Haspel testifies during a confirmation hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee, on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Washington.
CIA nominee Gina Haspel testifies during a confirmation hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee, on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in Washington. AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais

CIA Nominee Accused of Torture Stands Before The Senate

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Gina Haspel, President Donald Trump’s nominee for CIA director, faces accusations of direct involvement with CIA torture programs. Her hearings to replace current Secretary of State Mike Pompeo take place today. The president has tweeted his continued support for his embattled nominee: “My highly respected nominee for CIA Director, Gina Haspel, has come under fire because she was too tough on Terrorists. Think of that, in these very dangerous times, we have the most qualified person, a woman, who Democrats want OUT because she is too tough on terror.”

The Washington Post reported last weekend that Haspel offered to withdraw her nomination. White House officials raised concerns with Haspel about her chances of getting confirmed. Joining us to discuss is Faiz Shakir, national political director for the ACLU.