CIA Director Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoHillicon Valley: FBI chief says Russia is trying to interfere in election to undermine Biden | Treasury Dept. sanctions Iranian government-backed hackers Treasury Dept. sanctions Iranian government-backed hackers The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Pence lauds Harris as 'experienced debater'; Trump, Biden diverge over debate prep MORE 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." ADVERTISEMENT

"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 Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE 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 Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonHillicon Valley: FBI chief says Russia is trying to interfere in election to undermine Biden | Treasury Dept. sanctions Iranian government-backed hackers The Hill's Campaign Report: Arizona shifts towards Biden | Biden prepares for drive-in town hall | New Biden ad targets Latino voters FBI chief says Russia is trying to interfere in election to undermine Biden MORE.

Crooked Hillary Clinton’s top aid, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018

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.