Joe Biden gives CIA chief William Burns a seat on his cabinet

The largely symbolic move recognises the spymaster’s role in tackling national security challenges such as competition with China and Russia’s Ukraine invasion

Since the start of the Ukraine war, Burns has taken a leading role in maintaining the deeply frayed relationship between Washington and Moscow

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CIADirector William Burns speaks during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in March. Photo: AP

Published: 6:31am, 22 Jul 2023

President Joe Biden announced Friday that he has invited CIA Director William Burns to sit on the cabinet, a mostly symbolic elevation that recognised the US spymaster’s broader role in the administration.

Biden praised Burns for providing him “clear, straightforward analysis that prioritises the safety and security of the American people”.

“Under his leadership, the CIA is delivering a clear-eyed, long-term approach to our nation’s top national security challenges – from tackling Russia’s brutal aggression against Ukraine, to managing responsible competition with the People’s Republic of China, to addressing the opportunities and risks of emerging technology,” Biden said.

Biden’s action means Burns will serve on the cabinet side-by-side with his immediate senior, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, as well as all the department secretaries.

Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines listens to a question while testifying before the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence hearing on Capitol Hill in March. Photo: TNS

Before the Director of National Intelligence was established in 2005, CIA directors served on presidential cabinets.