Director of National Intelligence

The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) is the United States government official – subject to the authority, direction, and control of the President – required by the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 to:

• Serve as principal advisor to the President, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council about intelligence matters related to national security;
• Serve as head of the sixteen-member Intelligence Community; and
• Direct and oversee the National Intelligence Program.

Under 50 U.S.C. § 403-3a, either the Director or the Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence should be an active-duty commissioned officer in the armed forces or have training or experience in military intelligence activities and requirements. Only one of the two positions can be held by an officer at any given time. The statute does not specify what rank the commissioned officer will hold during his or her tenure in either position, but historically a four-star general or admiral has served. The penultimate DNI was retired Navy four-star admiral Dennis C. Blair, whose resignation became effective May 28, 2010. On July 20, 2010, President Obama nominated retired Lt. Gen. James R. Clapper for the position. Clapper was confirmed by the Senate on August 5, 2010, and replaced acting Director David C. Gompert.

On July 30, 2008, President Bush issued Executive Order 13470 amending Executive Order 12333 to strengthen the DNI's role.