CIA Director Mike Pompeo on Sunday rejected the possibility of a "deep state" existing at the CIA, defending his agents as "patriots of the truest and highest order."

When host John Dickerson asked the CIA chief on CBS News's "Face the Nation" whether there is a group of employees at his agency seeking to undermine the Trump administration, Pompeo responded, "No sir."

"Has there ever been one?" Dickerson asked.

"Sir, I've only been there for a little while. I can't believe that it's ever been there. These are professionals who sacrifice so much to serve America. They're patriots of the truest and highest order," Pompeo responded.

The former lawmaker's remarks come after President Trump claimed last week that there is a deep state at the Justice Department working against him and his administration, while protecting individuals tied to Hillary Clinton.

Former officials including James Clapper criticized the remark, with the former director of national intelligence calling it "reprehensible."

Trump has repeatedly claimed that there is a "deep state" throughout the government working against him.