Michael Hayden, former director of the CIA and NSA and an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke this week.
News of the 73-year-old’s hospitalization was confirmed by the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security, which issued a statement on behalf of Hayden’s wife and family.
“The Hayden family regrets to inform that General Michael V. Hayden (USAF-Retired) was hospitalized earlier this week after suffering a stroke while at his home,” it read. “He is receiving expert medical care for which the family is grateful.”
The statement went on to express the appreciativeness of the Hayden family for all the “wishes and prayers” they have received, while also asking that their “privacy be respected.”
Hayden’s public service
Hayden’s long career in public service began in the Air Force, where he achieved the rank of general.
After retiring from the military, he went on to lead the National Security Agency from 1999 to 2005, and the Central Intelligence Agency from 2006 to early 2009. Both positions were held, for the most part, during George W. Bush’s presidency.
Hayden has been revered by his successors for his service. Former CIA director John Brennan referred to Hayden as one of this “country’s noblest patriots, dedicating his life to America’s national security. A man of tremendous integrity, intellect, & decency, he has been a role model for countless intelligence professionals over several decades.”
In more recent times, Hayden taught at George Mason University, in Virginia, which is where his namesake center is located. He has also done some work for CNN as a security analyst, where he has become a vigorous critic of President Donald Trump. He wrote a book, published earlier this year, titled “The Assault on Intelligence: American National Security in an Age of Lies.”
Another Trump Critic
Over the past couple of years, Hayden has leveled countless criticisms at the president. One point of emphasis has been Trump’s frequent condemnation of CNN and praise of the Fox News Channel.
“If this is who we are or who we are becoming, I have wasted 40 years of my life,” wrote Hayden in a 2017 tweet. “Until now it was not possible for me to conceive of an American President capable of such an outrageous assault on truth, a free press or the first amendment.”
Hayden has also been critical of the president’s handling of security clearances, especially with the revocation of Brennan’s for allegedly leaking secrets to the press. When asked whether he would be okay with having his security clearance revoked, Hayden said that he “would consider it an honor so I can add my name to the list of men and women who have spoken up against your presidency.”
We await further updates on Hayden’s condition.
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