HYDE PARK — CIA Director John Brennan will visit the University of Chicago shortly before leaving office.
The visit by Brennan, who has twice canceled appearances at the school, is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Jan. 5 at the International House, 1414 E. 59th St. It comes at a time of heightened scrutiny of the agency he’s led under President Barack Obama since 2013.
The previous cancellations may be fortuitous for people interested in the agency because the visit now comes at a time when the CIA is under increased scrutiny by the incoming administration.
President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has lashed out at Brennan for the CIA’s findings that Russia interfered with the U.S. presidential election and the motive may have been to help elect Trump.
Brennan has been at times cagey, but not altogether unwilling, to talk about criticism of the agency by Trump’s team.
He might feel he can be more candid at the university with moderator Robert Pape, a political science professor at the university who is a former Air Force lecturer and a leading expert on suicide terrorism.
The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited, and people must register online to be guaranteed a seat.
Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and there will be a security check before being allowed into the event.
No signs or large bags will be permitted.
The event is coordinated by the university's Institute of Politics and International House.
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