Trump rips criticism of CIA nominee for being ‘too tough’ of terrorists

President Trump on Monday slammed critics of his nominee to serve as the new CIA director, saying Gina Haspel is “highly respected” and “the most qualified” for the job.

“My highly respected nominee for CIA Director, Gina Haspel, has come under fire because she was too tough on Terrorists,” Trump wrote on Twitter. “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. Win Gina!” 

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. Win Gina!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 7, 2018

{mosads}The president’s tweet comes ahead of Haspel’s scheduled appearance on Wednesday in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee, where she is expected to face a tough examination from lawmakers over her role in the CIA’s detention and interrogation program.

The White House in recent days has ramped up a push to support Haspel, who reportedly offered last week to retract her nomination. 

Trump tapped Haspel for the position after nominating former CIA Director Mike Pompeo to become secretary of State.

The Senate confirmed Pompeo’s nomination late last month.