CIA Director William Burns Named to Biden’s Cabinet

WASHINGTON >> President Joe Biden has officially appointed CIA Director William Burns as a member of his Cabinet, a symbolic gesture highlighting the intelligence chief’s influence and his efforts in supporting Ukraine. Burns, who has demonstrated his ability to use intelligence to provide strategic advantage, has consistently prioritized the safety and security of the American people.

Burns has played a pivotal role in the Biden administration, particularly in the strategy to declassify intelligence revealing Russia’s plans for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As a career diplomat and former ambassador to Russia, Burns was sent to Moscow ahead of the conflict to warn Russian President Vladimir Putin about Washington’s analysis.

Over the past 18 months, the United States has offered intelligence support, as well as weapons and ammunition, to Ukraine. Burns has made multiple trips to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and, in November 2022, was dispatched to warn Russia against the use of nuclear weapons in the conflict.

As a Cabinet member, Burns regularly meets with President Biden and provides direct briefings on Ukraine and other global issues. He will work alongside Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, whose office sets the direction for the CIA and other intelligence agencies in the United States.

In response to the announcement, Burns expressed his honor to serve in this role and represent the exceptional work of intelligence officers, stating, “The President’s recognition today acknowledges the vital contributions the Central Intelligence Agency makes to national security.”

It is worth noting that not all administrations have included top intelligence officials in their Cabinets. However, former President Donald Trump did appoint his directors of national intelligence and CIA directors to his Cabinet.