CIA director William Burns elevated to Biden cabinet

Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns has been asked by President Joe Biden to join the cabinet, the White House said Friday. “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 in a statement. The move is largely symbolic and won’t give Burns new authorities, said a Washington Post report, but underscores the influence he has in the administration.