Gina Haspel to Vow Not to ‘Restart’ Enhanced Interrogation Program at CIA

Gina Haspel, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Central Intelligence Agency, is expected to promise she “will not restart” a controversial interrogation program that nearly derailed her nomination if she is confirmed, The Washington Post reports. Haspel faces opposition from Democrats at Wednesday’s confirmation hearing, which comes just days after she reportedly nearly withdrew her nomination amid mounting scrutiny over her role in the agency’s “enhanced interrogation techniques” following the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. According to excerpts of her remarks for the confirmation hearing quoted by the Post, Haspel will acknowledge her role at the agency “in that tumultuous time” and make a “personal commitment, clearly and without reservation” not to revive the interrogation program that many have likened to torture. The 33-year CIA veteran has the backing of many Republicans, as well as Trump, who went to bat for her on Twitter repeatedly in recent days to praise her for being “too tough on terror.” But she faces opposition from Democrats who want more details on her involvement in the program, as well as her role years later in reportedly having videotapes of these disputed sessions destroyed.