President Joe Biden announced Friday that he has invited Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns to join his Cabinet.

The CIA director does not typically hold an official Cabinet position. Former President Donald Trump elevated the CIA director to a Cabinet post in 2017, but Biden reversed that decision upon taking office and elevated Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines to the Cabinet.

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"Working in lockstep with Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Bill has harnessed intelligence to give our country a critical strategic advantage. 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," the president wrote in a statement Friday afternoon.

"Bill has always given me clear, straightforward analysis that prioritizes the safety and security of the American people, reflecting the integral role the CIA plays in our national security decision-making at this critical time," Biden said.

The president also cited a quote from Burns himself, "good intelligence, delivered with honesty and integrity," as part of his rationale behind the decision, claiming that "since his first day on the job, [Burns], has demonstrated the meaning behind those words."

"With quiet courage, deep humility, and extensive expertise, Bill has earned the respect of the brave women and men of the CIA," Biden said. "He leads with dignity and represents the very best of America, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the years ahead."

"I am absolutely delighted to join President Biden in welcoming CIA Director Bill Burns to the Cabinet. Director Burns has dedicated his life to public service, and his rare combination of expertise, experiences, talent, and intelligence are exactly what the President needs in his senior-most advisors," Haines said in a separate statement. "This nomination reflects the President’s reliance and confidence in Bill for his unique insights and advice, and I cannot imagine a better colleague, friend, and leader who is more deserving of this recognition."

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The CIA director does not typically engage in diplomacy, but Burns has served as a top messenger for Biden regarding Russia and the war in Ukraine.

He traveled to Moscow in November 2021 and delivered a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin not to invade Ukraine, which Putin ultimately ignored.