Gen. Michael Hayden, Former CIA, NSA Director, Suffers Stroke

Gen. Michael Hayden, who served as director of the CIA and the NSA, suffered a stroke and was hospitalized earlier this week, according to a statement from the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy and International Security at George Mason University.

"He is receiving expert medical care for which the family is grateful," the statement said. "As General Hayden begins the healing process, the family requests that their privacy be respected. The General and his family greatly appreciate the warm wishes and prayers of his friends, colleagues, and supporters."

The retired four-star Air Force general served as director of the NSA from 1999-2005 and as director of the CIA from 2006-09.

Hayden is currently a distinguished visiting professor at George Mason University where he founded the Hayden Center. He is also a principal at a security and risk management advisory services firm.

Hayden also works as a national security analyst at CNN, where he has been a frequent critic of President Donald Trump. He published a book this year called "The Assault on Intelligence: American National Security in an Age of Lies."

Reporting from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Photo by Paul Morigi/Invision for AMC/Associated Press Images