Trump CIA nominee offered to withdraw: report

Gina Haspel, President Trump’s nominee for CIA director, reportedly offered to withdraw over the weekend amid concerns her role in an interrogation program may derail her confirmation. 

The Washington Post reported on Sunday that Haspel met with White House officials on Friday to discuss her involvement in an interrogation program during the George W. Bush administration that used techniques that are widely regarded as torture.

As officials raised concerns about material that illustrated Haspel’s involvement in the program, Haspel indicated she’d be willing to step aside rather than continue with the confirmation process, the Post reported.

{mosads}White House officials, including press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and legislative director Marc Short, reportedly met with Haspel on Friday for several hours.

An administration official told the Post that Haspel’s nomination will continue as planned. Her confirmation hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

Haspel took over last week as acting CIA director upon Mike Pompeo’s confirmation as secretary of State.

However, her nomination to lead the agency full time has faced some opposition because of her involvement in the interrogation program and subsequent destruction of tapes that documented interrogations at a CIA “black site.” 

The CIA has declassified some documents in an effort to clear up concerns ahead of her confirmation hearing.

Republicans hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate, and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) is in Arizona undergoing treatment for cancer. As a result, Haspel cannot afford defections among GOP senators. 

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), previously vowed he would do “everything I can” to block Haspel’s confirmation. However, he said the same of Pompeo, only to vote in favor of his confirmation. 

Several Democrats have voiced opposition to Haspel. A handful of Republicans have expressed concerns with Haspel’s past work, though they have not indicated they would oppose her nomination.

The White House has promoted Haspel’s track record and leadership experience. She would be the first female leader of the agency if confirmed.