The CIA plays an important role in US President Biden’s Ukraine policy. Now the head of foreign intelligence, Burns, also gets a seat in Biden’s cabinet. The ex-diplomat thus gains influence.
US President Joe Biden gives CIA chief William Burns a seat in the federal cabinet. Biden announced this in a written statement. In doing so, the President is strengthening the influence of the foreign intelligence chief and underlining his role in American support for Ukraine.
Burns “used intelligence to give our country a critical strategic advantage,” Biden said, praising his “clear, straightforward analysis.” The CIA plays a vital role in its government’s national security decisions, and at a critical time.
Regular exchange with Kyiv
Burns, former ambassador to Russia, has repeatedly traveled to Kiev to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He was also sent to Russia in November 2022 to warn Moscow against using nuclear weapons in the conflict.
Burns said he was honored. “Today’s announcement by the President recognizes the significant contributions to national security that the Central Intelligence Agency makes every day and reflects his confidence in our work.” The CIA chief regularly briefs Biden directly on Ukraine and other international issues.
Rather symbolic act
Burns’ appointment to the group is seen more as a symbolic act, but at the same time as a sign of the important role he played for Biden in the crises with Russia or China in recent months.
The various federal ministers are represented in the US cabinet, as well as other leading members of the government, including Biden’s chief of staff Jeff Zients and the US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield. Also at the table is the secret service coordinator Avril Haines. So far, not a single representative of any US intelligence agency has been there.
But Burns is not the first CIA director to achieve cabinet status. Former President Bill Clinton also appointed his CIA directors as members of his cabinet, as did Ronald Reagan and William Casey.