Washington DC [US], May 17 (ANI): Gina Haspel, current acting director of Central Intelligence Agency, on Wednesday passed a crucial vote nominating her to be the first female director of the organisation.

As per the reports, the 33-year CIA veteran was supported by five Democratic senators and she is further expected to pass a forthcoming full Senate vote.

Haspel, 61, has been said to be a controversial pick for the post due to her involvement in the 26/11 attacks investigation.

She had also disavowed the techniques previously used by the CIA such as waterboarding.

Earlier yesterday, United States President Donald Trump took to his Twitter account to showcase his support for Haspel to be elected to the top post in the intelligence agency.

"Gina Haspel is one step closer to leading our brave men and women at the CIA. She is exceptionally qualified and the Senate should confirm her immediately. We need her to keep our great country safe! #ConfirmGina," President Trump tweeted.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gina Haspel is one step closer to leading our brave men and women at the CIA. She is exceptionally qualified and the Senate should confirm her immediately. We need her to keep our great country safe! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ConfirmGina?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ConfirmGina</a></p>&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/996887371210788864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>

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Earlier on March 10, Haspel testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee at her public confirmation hearing about her involvement in the CIA's interrogation tactics and in the destruction of CIA interrogation tapes, as per CNN. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)