Former CIA and NSA director Michael Hayden hospitalized after suffering a stroke
- Michael Hayden, who previously served as CIA director and National Security Agency director, was hospitalized after suffering a stroke at his home earlier this week.
- Hayden, 73, is "receiving expert medical care," and his family has requested privacy, according to a statement from The Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security at George Mason University.
- Hayden achieved the rank of a four-star general in the US Air Force and went on to lead the NSA from 1999 to 2005 for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush; he led the CIA from 2006 to 2009.
Michael Hayden, who previously served as CIA director and National Security Agency director, was hospitalized after suffering a stroke at his home earlier this week.
Hayden, 73, is "receiving expert medical care," and his family has requested privacy, according to a statement from the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security at George Mason University, on Friday.
"The General and his family greatly appreciate the warm wishes and prayers of his friends, colleagues, and supporters," the Hayden Center said.
Hayden achieved the rank of a four-star general in the US Air Force and went on to lead the NSA from 1999 to 2005 for Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush; he led the CIA from 2006 to 2009.
National security experts offered their messages of support.
"Michael Hayden is one of this country's noblest patriots, dedicating his life to America's national security," former CIA director John Brennan said on Twitter. "A man of tremendous integrity, intellect, & decency, he has been a role model for countless intelligence professionals over several decades. Speedy recovery, Mike."
"On behalf of the men & women of CIA, I want to wish Gen. Hayden a speedy recovery," CIA director Gina Haspel said in a statement. "Mike's long career of public service & commitment to national security continue to be an inspiration to all intelligence officers. Our thoughts are with Mike, Jeanine, & their family."
Hayden, who regularly appears on CNN as a national security analyst, has become an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump's administration. In August, Trump was reportedly weighing the possibility of revoking Hayden's security clearance in addition to other former White House and Justice Department senior officials who publicly criticized his policies.