Trump's acting CIA director wanted to withdraw over interrogation role

United States President Donald Trump's Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) nominee Gina Haspel sought to withdraw from her post amid concerns over her role in an interrogation programme, officials said on Sunday.

Haspel met with White House officials on Friday to discuss her involvement in the interrogation programme during the George W. Bush administration that used techniques that were widely considered as "torture," and subsequent destruction of tapes that documented interrogations at a CIA "black site," The Washington Post reported.

While officials raised concerns over Haspel's involvement in the programme, she offered to step down as the acting CIA director, the report noted.

In 2005, Haspel ordered the destruction of videotapes documenting the interrogations of two men at the Thailand prison, amidst growing scrutiny of the detention and interrogation programme. The decision was made by Jose Rodriguez, the then head of the agency's clandestine service, The Hill reported.

An administration official told the Washington Post that Haspel would be nominated as the CIA director as planned before. Meanwhile, her confirmation hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

On Friday, the CIA released a memo during the investigation ahead of the hearing.

In order to become the first female to lead the foreign intelligence service, she needs support of the Republicans, who hold a slim 51-49 majority in the US Senate.

The White House has openly promoted Haspel's track record and leadership experience.

The post of the CIA director fell vacant after Mike Pompeo was confirmed as the new US Secretary of State on Thursday.