Gina Haspel, a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, was sworn in Monday as the spy agency's first female director.
President Donald Trump watched as Vice President Mike Pence swore in Haspel during a ceremony at the CIA headquarters.
"Gina is tough, she is strong and when it comes to defending America, Gina will never back down," Trump said. "The men and women of this agency deserve exceptional leadership and that is what they are getting."
Trump called her "a very special person ... someone who has served this country with extraordinary skill and devotion." He said "there is no one in this country better qualified for this extraordinary office than you."
She is replacing Mike Pompeo, who recently became U.S. secretary of state.
Haspel described her life at CIA and that of other U.S. intelligence workers as "more than a career," but rather "a calling" to protect the country against terrorist attacks.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Haspel last Thursday by a vote of 54-45.