President Donald Trump's choice to lead the CIA is "100 percent committed" to seeing out the confirmation process despite The Washington Post reporting that she has considered withdrawing, the White House announced Monday.
Nominee Gina Haspel, currently the agency's deputy director, has served in the CIA for 33 years, has come under scrutiny for her role in the enhanced interrogation program that started after 9/11.
The Post reported on Sunday that Haspel "sought to withdraw her nomination" last Friday, after multiple White House officials expressed concern that her role in the interrogation program could keep the Senate from supporting her.
White House legislative affairs director Marc Short and press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders met with Haspel that same day for several hours in her office.
Short said Monday on MSNBC that during their meeting Haspel "was 100 percent committed to being the best nominee we could find."
"The White House is fully behind her," Short added. "We think she's the best nominee. We're glad she's moving forward."
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