"Gina Haspel's confirmation in a 54-45 vote follows a partisan fight among senators about the CIA's Bush-era use of techniques such as waterboarding," the BBC reported.

The move became necessary after the seat fell vacant following former CIA boss Mike Pompeo's appointment as the US Secretary of State.

US President Donald Trump has congratulated Haspel over the appointment.

He tweeted: "Congratulations to our new CIA Director, Gina Haspel!"
 

Image: twitter.com/realDonaldTrump