CIA Director Gina Haspel. File Photo

US President Donald Trump yesterday tweeted support for his controversial pick to head the Central Intelligence Agency, after reports she might withdraw her nomination to avoid a Senate grilling over her past involvement in torture. Gina Haspel -- who has a long career in the CIA's clandestine service and currently serves as its deputy director -- ran the agency's "black box" interrogation cell in Thailand after the September 11 attacks.