President Donald Trump has defended his nominee to head the CIA after she offered to withdraw amid concern over her role in harsh interrogation techniques widely seen as torture.
Mr Trump said Gina Haspel had “come under fire because she was too tough on terrorists”.
Ms Haspel, who faces a tough Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, has now decided not to withdraw.
The tight 51-49 party split in the Senate makes confirmation uncertain.
CIA director Gina Haspel’s Thailand torture ties
Who is Gina Haspel?
The post became vacant after Mike Pompeo was appointed secretary of state last month. Ms Haspel would be the first woman to head the CIA if confirmed.
What has Mr Trump said?
The president offered his strong support for Ms Haspel in a tweet on Monday, ending it with: “Win Gina!”
