CIA Director Gina Haspel’s attendance at President Trump’s State of the Union address was unusual, according to her predecessors, and her enthusiasm for parts of his speech bordered on inappropriate, said one.
Haspel stood and clapped at several moments during Trump’s third State of the Union address. She stood during his comments on Medicare, Social Security, abortion, paid family leave, and immigration. Trump’s line about rebuilding infrastructure earned her applause.
“I never did that,” former CIA Director Michael Hayden told Politico about Haspel’s apparent support of domestic policy issues. “That wouldn’t be right.”
It’s rare for military leaders and career agency officials to clap during the State of the Union speech so as to avoid the appearance of partisanship, former officials said. CIA directors have often skipped the speech for that reason, the former officials added. Haspel also attended last year’s speech.
“Generally, CIA directors have felt awkward at these things and have not gone often,” former acting CIA Director John McLaughlin said.
Hayden said he never attended the address as CIA director.
“It’s not my job,” he said.
A spokesman for former CIA Director John Brennan said the former official “never once” attended the event when he was leading the agency during the Obama administration.
The CIA declined to comment for the report.
