The US Senate has approved Avril Haynes as the new director of national intelligence. Fox News reports.
Haynes was approved by 84 votes in favor, with 10 senators opposing and the rest abstaining. It is noted that Haynes became the first female head of the United States intelligence community. Previously, Haynes served as National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama and Deputy Director of the CIA.
It is noted that in this position, Haynes will oversee the activities of 18 special services, including the CIA, NSA, FBI and others, as well as various units of the Pentagon, Treasury and other departments.
Formerly elected US President Joe Biden, who took office as head of state, has appointed acting Secretary of State. Daniel Smith, director of the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute, became the interim head of American diplomacy. Smith will serve as secretary of state until replaced by Biden’s protégé, veteran diplomat Anthony Blinken.