The head of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) is the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
The Role of the Director of National Intelligence
The Director of National Intelligence serves as the principal advisor to the President, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council on intelligence matters related to national security. This position was established to better integrate and coordinate the efforts of the various U.S. intelligence agencies, ensuring that the nation's intelligence resources are effectively managed and aligned with strategic priorities. The DNI provides overall leadership and direction for the entire Intelligence Community.
Current Leadership
The individual currently holding this critical position is Avril Haines, who assumed office on January 21, 2021. When addressed, she is informally referred to as "Madam Director" and formally as "The Honorable."
Key Responsibilities and Functions
The DNI plays a pivotal role in ensuring the coherence and effectiveness of the U.S. Intelligence Community. Key responsibilities include:
- Overseeing and Directing: Providing comprehensive leadership and strategic direction for the 18 elements that comprise the Intelligence Community.
- Budget Authority: Developing and determining the National Intelligence Program (NIP) budget, which funds intelligence activities across various agencies.
- Information Sharing: Facilitating robust information sharing and collaboration among all IC agencies to enhance collective intelligence capabilities.
- Strategic Planning: Establishing clear objectives and priorities for intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination to meet national security needs.
- Advising the President: Presenting the President's Daily Brief and offering expert intelligence assessments to inform presidential decisions.
- Foreign Intelligence Relationships: Managing and strengthening relationships with foreign intelligence services to support international security cooperation.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
The DNI leads the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), which serves as the organizational hub for the DNI's functions. The ODNI is tasked with integrating foreign, military, and domestic intelligence in defense of the homeland and U.S. interests abroad. Its comprehensive structure, comprising various directorates and centers, supports the DNI in fulfilling their broad mandate focused on specific intelligence functions and emerging threats.
Director of National Intelligence: At a Glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Director of National Intelligence |
| Primary Role | Head of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) and the principal intelligence advisor to the President. |
| Current Incumbent | Avril Haines |
| Assumed Office | January 21, 2021 |
| Governing Office | Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) |
| Informal Style | Madam Director |
| Formal Style | The Honorable |
| Key Responsibility | To oversee and coordinate the efforts of all U.S. intelligence agencies, ensuring that they work cohesively to provide timely and accurate intelligence to policymakers. |
