CIA Director Mike Pompeo
Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoTillerson: State Dept. 'not missing a beat' despite vacancies Trump considering spy network to combat 'deep state' enemies: Intercept Five things senators should ask Tom Cotton if he’s nominated to lead the CIA MORE on Sunday rejected the possibility of a "deep state" existing at the CIA, defending his agents as "patriots of the truest and highest order."
When host John Dickerson asked the CIA chief on CBS News's "Face the Nation" whether there is a group of employees at his agency seeking to undermine the Trump administration, Pompeo responded, "No sir."
"Has there ever been one?" Dickerson asked.
"Sir, I've only been there for a little while. I can’t believe that it's ever been there. These are professionals who sacrifice so much to serve America. They're patriots of the truest and highest order," Pompeo responded.
The former lawmaker's remarks come after President Trump
Donald John TrumpHouse Democrat slams Donald Trump Jr. for ‘serious case of amnesia’ after testimony Skier Lindsey Vonn: I don’t want to represent Trump at Olympics Poll: 4 in 10 Republicans think senior Trump advisers had improper dealings with Russia MORE claimed last week that there is a deep state at the Justice Department working against him and his administration, while protecting individuals tied to Hillary Clinton
Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonGrassley blasts Democrats over unwillingness to probe Clinton GOP lawmakers cite new allegations of political bias in FBI Top intel Dem: Trump Jr. refused to answer questions about Trump Tower discussions with father MORE.
Crooked Hillary Clinton’s top aid, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018
Former officials including James Clapper criticized the remark, with the former director of national intelligence calling it “reprehensible.”
Trump has repeatedly claimed that there is a "deep state" throughout the government working against him.