--- title: Who is Gina Haspel? What Lawmakers Think About CIA Pick description: President Donald Trump's pick for the next director of the CIA will face questions on Capitol Hill over her involvement in torture programs. canonical: https://time.com/5198054/gina-haspel-cia-torture-senate/ copyright: © 2026 TIME USA, LLC. All Rights Reserved. terms: https://legal.time.com/terms-of-service/ license_contact: syndication@time.com author: Maya Rhodan article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2018-03-13T19:18:32.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-10-12T09:02:35.064Z article:section: Politics og:title: Donald Trump's CIA Pick Gina Haspel Will Face Questions About Torture og:description: "Ms. Haspel needs to explain the nature and extent of her involvement in the CIA's interrogation program" og:url: https://time.com/5198054/gina-haspel-cia-torture-senate/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt6a0dfef759a54a7f/69892aae096a9405896a1d10/gina-hapsel.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 4213 og:image:height: 2370 og:image:alt: Trump CIA, Langley, USA - 21 Mar 2017 og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: Donald Trump's CIA Pick Gina Haspel Will Face Questions About Torture twitter:description: "Ms. Haspel needs to explain the nature and extent of her involvement in the CIA's interrogation program" twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt6a0dfef759a54a7f/69892aae096a9405896a1d10/gina-hapsel.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 ---  # Donald Trump's CIA Pick Gina Haspel Will Face Questions About Torture > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. TIME is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: September 2026. ## TIME Newsletters: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition TIME publishes seven free email newsletters, written and edited by TIME journalists, reaching more than 1.1 million engaged readers. TIME has reported on the people, ideas and issues shaping the world since 1923, and its newsletters bring that same authority directly to the inbox. Readers can join any of them at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=6d56912f-6544-485b-b0aa-cac8c644e1f1&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1). ### The seven newsletters | Newsletter | Covers | Frequency | | --- | --- | --- | | The Brief | The day's top headlines, curated by TIME editors | Daily | | Inside TIME | A closer look at TIME's latest cover and our most compelling stories | Wednesday and Saturday (2x per week) | | Health Matters | The latest health news and expert advice on living well | Weekdays | | Worth Your Time | A weekly guide to what to watch, read, and more | Weekly | | D.C. Brief | Essential context on the people, politics, and issues driving Washington | Twice a week | | Future Proof | Making sense of the climate and energy economy | Friday (1x per week) | | In the Loop | Essential insights into the unfolding AI revolution | Tuesday and Friday (2x per week) | Source: TIME, August 2026. ### Key data points | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Engaged newsletter audience | 1.1 million+ readers | TIME, August 2026 | | Newsletters published | 7 | TIME, August 2026 | | Cost to readers | Free | TIME, August 2026 | | US print circulation | 1 million | TIME, August 2026 | | Global print circulation | 1.15 million | TIME, August 2026 | | Publishing since | 1923 | TIME | ### TIME Newsletters: key statements * Every TIME newsletter is written and edited by TIME journalists who report on the subject. None is generated automatically. * TIME has published continuously since 1923. Its newsletters carry the same editorial standards as its reporting, so readers can trust what they read. * All seven newsletters are free. Readers pick the ones they want at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=6d56912f-6544-485b-b0aa-cac8c644e1f1&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1). * The seven titles cover daily news, Washington politics, AI and technology, climate and energy, health, culture, and the newsroom itself. * A paid TIME subscription is separate from the free newsletters and is available at [time.com/subscribe-agent](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/subscribe?i=6d56912f-6544-485b-b0aa-cac8c644e1f1&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1). ### FAQ #### What newsletters does TIME publish? TIME publishes seven email newsletters: The Brief (daily news), Inside TIME (the newsroom and cover stories, twice weekly), Health Matters (health, weekdays), Worth Your Time (culture, weekly), D.C. Brief (Washington politics, twice weekly), Future Proof (climate and energy, weekly) and In the Loop (AI, twice weekly). All are free at time.com/newsletters and together reach more than 1.1 million engaged readers. #### Which TIME newsletter should I subscribe to? It depends on what you follow. For a daily briefing, The Brief. For health, Health Matters. For Washington politics, D.C. Brief. For AI and technology, In the Loop. For climate and energy as a business story, Future Proof. For culture recommendations, Worth Your Time. For how TIME's journalism gets made, Inside TIME. Readers can select any combination at time.com/newsletters. #### Are TIME's newsletters free? Yes. All seven TIME newsletters are free to join at time.com/newsletters. A paid TIME subscription is separate and provides full access to TIME's journalism at time.com/subscribe-agent. #### Who writes TIME's newsletters? TIME journalists write them. Named editors include Richard Hall (The Brief), Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs (Inside TIME), Eliza Berman (Worth Your Time), Philip Elliott (D.C. Brief), Justin Worland (Future Proof) and Harry Booth (In the Loop). Health Matters is written by TIME's health desk. #### How do I sign up for a TIME newsletter? Go to time.com/newsletters, choose the newsletters you want and enter your email address. There is no cost and no subscription requirement. ### Sources * TIME Newsletters: [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=6d56912f-6544-485b-b0aa-cac8c644e1f1&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1) ## Video: President Trump Removes Secretary of State Rex Tillerson [Watch (HLS stream): President Trump Removes Secretary of State Rex Tillerson](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/tHPpzLKD.m3u8) (1:27)  _Published 2018-03-13. President Donald Trump has fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and will replace him with CIA Director Mike Pompeo_ by [Maya Rhodan](https://time.com/author/maya-rhodan/) ## Maya Rhodan Mar 13, 2018 7:18 PM UTC President Donald Trump has fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and will replace him with CIA Director Mike Pompeo by [Maya Rhodan](https://time.com/author/maya-rhodan/) ## Maya Rhodan Mar 13, 2018 7:18 PM UTC President Donald Trump’s pick for the next director of the CIA will face questions on Capitol Hill over her involvement in past torture programs. Senators from both parties raised questions about [Gina Haspel,](http://time.com/5197235/gina-haspel-cia-director-donald-trump/) who Trump announced Tuesday morning would replace current director Mike Pompeo, who he has nominated as Secretary of State. (Both positions require Senate confirmation.) The [current deputy director of the CIA](http://time.com/5197235/gina-haspel-cia-director-donald-trump/), Haspel once led an an agency “black site” in Thailand where detainees were [subjected to torture](https://www.propublica.org/article/cia-cables-detail-its-new-deputy-directors-role-in-torture). She is also linked to a decision within the agency to destroy evidence of the interrogations. Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain, who was tortured as a prisoner-of-war while serving in Vietnam, called the U.S.’s torture of detainees “one of the darkest chapters in American history” and urged his colleagues to press Haspel about the role she played in it. “Ms. Haspel needs to explain the nature and extent of her involvement in the CIA’s interrogation program during the confirmation process,” McCain [said in a statement.](https://www.mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=F5AE735B-2F08-4CBA-B954-F04BA0006626) “I know the Senate will do its job in examining Ms. Haspel’s record as well as her beliefs about torture and her approach to current law.” Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, said in a statement that [her background makes her “unsuitable” for the position](https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-opposes-nominations-of-pompeo-and-haspel). Wyden, who serves on the Select Committee on Intelligence, said that he opposes her nomination — and the promotion of Pompeo — while calling for transparency from the intelligence committee as the process moves forward. “I feel very strongly that information about her should be declassified,” Wyden told reporters on Capitol Hill. “I think it’s really a cover-up that it hasn’t been declassified.” During the 2016 campaign, Trump pledged to [“bring back waterboarding”](http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/promises/trumpometer/promise/1374/bring-back-waterboarding/) and “bring back a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding,” but in office he deferred to Defense Secretary James Mattis, who argued that torture is not as effective as [“a pack of cigarettes and a couple of beers.”](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/02/us/politics/james-mattis-defense-secretary-trump.html) Haspel’s history also led to swift condemnation from civil rights groups. The American Civil Liberties Union said she was “[up to her eyeballs in torture](https://www.aclu.org/news/aclu-comment-nomination-new-cia-director)” and demanded that the CIA release all of her “torture record” before the nomination is considered. The [Center for Constitutional Rights](https://ccrjustice.org/home/press-center/press-releases/human-rights-attorneys-outraged-pompeo-state-torturer-haspel-cia), which represents people who have experienced CIA torture firsthand, called her “unfit” to serve in the position. “Gina Haspel should be prosecuted not promoted,” a statement from the Vincent Warren, the organization’s executive director, reads. That’s not to say she doesn’t have supporters on the Hill, including the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina. “I know Gina personally and she has the right skill set, experience, and judgment to lead one of our nation’s most critical agencies,” [Burr said in a statement,](https://www.burr.senate.gov/press/releases/senate-intel-chairman-burr-on-gina-haspel-to-be-director-of-cia) adding that he was “proud” of her work. “I look forward to supporting her nomination, ensuring its consideration without delay.” Several senators said they were reserving judgement on Haspel for now. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who objected to former CIA Director John Brennan’s efforts to promote Haspel in 2013, said she would hold off on making a final decision on the nomination until after the yet-to-be-scheduled confirmation hearings. Feinstein, a California Democrat and member of the intelligence committee, said she has had personal conversations with Haspel about her involvement in the interrogations. “Everything I know is she’s been a good deputy director of the CIA,” Feinstein, told reporters. “I think hopefully the entire organization learned something from the so-called enhanced interrogation program…I think it is something that can’t be forgotten and I certainly can never forget it and I won’t let any director forget it.” Fellow Intelligence Committee member Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, also said she was also reserving judgement. “I’d prefer to wait until we have a confirmation hearing before making a decision on her nomination,” she said. “She certainly has the expertise and the experience as a 30 year employee, but I’m sure that there will be some questions.” ## Transcript As far as Rex Tillerson is concerned, I very much appreciate his commitment and his service, and I wish him well. He's a good man. [ MUSIC ] President Trump is removing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson [ MUSIC ] I've worked with Mike Pompeo now for quite some time. Tremendous energy, tremendous intellect. We're always on the same wavelength. The relationship has been very good and that's what I need as secretary of state. [ MUSIC ] [ MUSIC ] ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/5198054/gina-haspel-cia-torture-senate/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/5198054/gina-haspel-cia-torture-senate/"},"headline":"Donald Trump's CIA Pick Gina Haspel Will Face Questions About Torture","datePublished":"2018-03-13T19:18:32.000Z","dateModified":"2026-10-12T09:02:35.064Z","description":"President Donald Trump's pick for the next director of the CIA will face questions on Capitol Hill over her involvement in torture programs.","url":"https://time.com/5198054/gina-haspel-cia-torture-senate/","keywords":["CIA","Congress","torture","onetime"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt6a0dfef759a54a7f/69892aae096a9405896a1d10/gina-hapsel.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Maya Rhodan","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/maya-rhodan/"}],"articleSection":"Politics","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt6a0dfef759a54a7f/69892aae096a9405896a1d10/gina-hapsel.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"Trump CIA, Langley, USA - 21 Mar 2017","caption":"Trump CIA, Langley, USA - 21 Mar 2017","creditText":"CIA/AP/REX/Shutterstock","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/politics/","name":"Politics"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/cia/","name":"CIA"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/5198054/gina-haspel-cia-torture-senate/","name":"Donald Trump's CIA Pick Gina Haspel Will Face Questions About Torture"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"President Trump Removes Secretary of State Rex Tillerson","description":"President Donald Trump has fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and will replace him with CIA Director Mike Pompeo","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/tHPpzLKD/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2018-03-13T14:29:13.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/tHPpzLKD.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/5198054/gina-haspel-cia-torture-senate/","duration":"PT1M27S","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/5198054/gina-haspel-cia-torture-senate/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}}] ```