Gina Haspel sworn in as CIA director

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Gina Haspel: CIA's challenge is to remain the best

First woman to serve as CIA director lays out her vision for the agency at her swearing-in ceremony in Langley, Virginia.

President Trump praised CIA director Gina Haspel at her swearing-in ceremony Monday by saying "no one in this country is better qualified" for the role.

During the ceremony, which was also attended by Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the president said the agency is made up of the "most elite intelligence professionals on the planet."

Trump: Haspel becomes first woman to ever lead CIA

President Trump speaks at swearing-in ceremony for incoming CIA director Gina Haspel.

Haspel was confirmed Thursday as CIA director, becoming the first woman to lead the agency after overcoming initial Democratic opposition regarding her role in post-9/11 interrogation and detention practices.

Haspel, who previously served as deputy director and has spent her career with the agency, replaces Pompeo at the CIA.

Ahead of her confirmation, Haspel earned emphatic support from GOP lawmakers as well as intelligence community members from both Democratic and Republican administrations.

"The safety and security of the American people depend on capable intelligence leadership. Gina Haspel is the right woman at the right time," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said.

But her history as base chief at a black-site prison in Thailand in 2002, where techniques such as waterboarding were used on terror suspects, came under scrutiny during the confirmation process. Republican supporters accused Democrats of politicizing her nomination and initially trying to derail an otherwise highly qualified nominee.

Fox News’ Adam Shaw and The Associated Press contributed to this report.