WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 14: Former Secretary of Defense and director of the Central Intelligence Agency Leon Panetta discuss his new book, 'Worthy Fights,' during an event in the Jack Morton Auditorium at George Washington University October 14, 2014 in Washington, DC. In the book, Panetta writes about his differences with President Barack Obama over military policies in Syria, Iraq and other conflicts. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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Panetta: Leaks happen, deal with it
01:58 - Source: CNN

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"He's somebody who understands the intelligence agencies, is smart and I think will be a good director," Panetta said.

Panetta later served as President Obama's secretary of defense

Washington CNN  — 

Former CIA Director Leon Panetta said Thursday that Rep. Mike Pompeo, whom President-elect Donald Trump has picked to lead the agency, is up to the task and supports his nomination.

“He’s somebody who understands the intelligence agencies, is smart and I think will be a good director,” Panetta told CNN’s Erin Burnett on “OutFront.”

Panetta, who later served as President Barack Obama’s secretary of defense, has made similarly positive comments about defense secretary nominee James Mattis.

Pompeo at his Senate confirmation hearing earlier on Thursday said it would be his mission to deliver unvarnished facts to the President and pledged to shield the agency from political influence at a time when Trump has been critical of the intelligence community. Pompeo, a Kansas Republican, also said he would not restart the CIA’s use of enhanced interrogation techniques if he were approved for the position.