George H.W. Bush praises Haspel after confirmation as CIA director

Former President George H.W. Bush on Thursday praised newly confirmed CIA Director Gina Haspel. 

“Gina Haspel has selflessly and courageously devoted herself to the service of her country,” Bush tweeted. 

“I have great conficent she will continue effectively leading the men and women of @CIA in their vitally important mission of our nation,” he added. 

Gina Haspel has selflessly and courageously devoted herself to the service of her country. I have great confidence she will continue effectively leading the men and women of @CIA in their vitally important mission for our nation.

— George Bush (@GeorgeHWBush) May 17, 2018

Bush served as CIA director for roughly a year from January 1976 to January 1977. 

{mosads}

He was vice president when Haspel joined the agency in 1985.

His praise for Haspel marks a rare public declaration of support from the Bush family for the Trump administration. 

President Trump did not attend former first lady Barbara Bush’s funeral last month. First lady Melania Trump attended on his behalf. 

Trump spent the early parts of the 2016 presidential campaign attacking fellow Republican candidate Jeb Bush. He went on to criticize former President George W. Bush for his policies.

The Senate voted 54-45 on Thursday  to confirm Haspel as CIA director, making her the first female director of the spy agency. Her confirmation marked the end of a contentious process during which she drew opposition for her role in a George W. Bush-era “enhanced interrogation” program.

That program used methods that are now widely considered torture.