History of Director of National Intelligence in Timeline

The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) is a U.S. cabinet-level official established in 2004 to head the Intelligence Community (IC) and oversee the National Intelligence Program (NIP). This role was created in response to intelligence failures and aims to improve coordination and information sharing among intelligence agencies. The DNI serves as the executive head of the IC, with all 18 agencies, including the CIA, DIA, and NSA, reporting directly to them. The DNI also oversees intelligence activities of other federal agencies, such as the FBI, ensuring a unified and coordinated national intelligence effort.

June 19, 2002: Senators Introduce Bill to Create DNI

On June 19, 2002, Senators Dianne Feinstein, Jay Rockefeller, and Bob Graham introduced S. 2645 to create the position of Director of National Intelligence.

July 22, 2004: 9/11 Commission Report Recommends DNI Position

On July 22, 2004, the 9/11 Commission Report recommended establishing the DNI position, citing major intelligence failures in protecting U.S. interests against foreign terrorist attacks.

December 17, 2004: Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act Signed into Law

On December 17, 2004, President George W. Bush signed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act into law, establishing the DNI position to lead the United States Intelligence Community. The DNI was prohibited from simultaneously serving as CIA director or head of any other intelligence element.

2004: Establishment of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)

In 2004, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 established the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) as an independent agency to assist the DNI.

2004: Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004

In 2004, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act was enacted, mandating the Director of National Intelligence position to head the United States Intelligence Community and oversee the National Intelligence Program.

February 17, 2005: John Negroponte Appointed as First DNI

On February 17, 2005, President George W. Bush appointed John Negroponte as the first Director of National Intelligence, subject to Senate confirmation.

April 21, 2005: Negroponte Confirmed and Sworn In as First DNI

On April 21, 2005, John Negroponte was confirmed by the Senate and sworn in by President Bush as the first Director of National Intelligence.

February 13, 2007: Mike McConnell Becomes Second DNI

On February 13, 2007, Mike McConnell succeeded John Negroponte as the second Director of National Intelligence.

March 23, 2007: DNI McConnell Announces Organizational Changes

On March 23, 2007, DNI Mike McConnell announced organizational changes within the ODNI.

August 24, 2007: DNI Website Configuration Prevents Search Engine Indexing

On August 24, 2007, News.com reported that the DNI website was configured to block search engines from indexing its pages, effectively making the site invisible to search queries.

September 3, 2007: Cloaking Removed from DNI Website

On September 3, 2007, the cloaking was removed from the DNI website, although it was somehow hidden again the next day. Later that week, the website was open to web searches again.

September 2007: ODNI Releases Integration and Collaboration Plans

In September 2007, the Office of the DNI released the "Intelligence Community 100 Day & 500 Day Plans for Integration & Collaboration", outlining initiatives for increased cooperation and reform within the U.S. Intelligence Community.

October 4, 2007: Donald M. Kerr Confirmed as Principal Deputy DNI

On October 4, 2007, Donald M. Kerr was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence.

October 9, 2007: Donald M. Kerr Sworn in as Principal Deputy DNI

On October 9, 2007, Donald M. Kerr was sworn in as Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence.

July 30, 2008: Executive Order 13470 Strengthens DNI Role

On July 30, 2008, President George W. Bush issued Executive Order 13470, solidifying the DNI's authority over intelligence gathering, analysis, policy setting for intelligence sharing with foreign agencies, and the hiring/firing of senior intelligence officials.

January 29, 2009: Dennis C. Blair Becomes Third DNI

On January 29, 2009, retired Navy admiral Dennis C. Blair became the third DNI, after being nominated by President Barack Obama.

May 28, 2010: Blair Resigns as DNI

On May 28, 2010, President Obama dismissed Dennis Blair whose resignation became effective.

July 20, 2010: James Clapper Nominated as Fourth DNI

On July 20, 2010, President Barack Obama nominated retired Air Force lieutenant general James Clapper as the fourth DNI.

October 10, 2012: Presidential Policy Directive 19 Expands DNI Responsibility

On October 10, 2012, President Barack Obama issued Presidential Policy Directive 19, further expanding the DNI's responsibility for the entire Intelligence Community's whistleblowing and source protection.

March 16, 2017: Dan Coats Served as DNI

On March 16, 2017, Dan Coats became the DNI during the first administration of President Donald Trump.

November 23, 2020: Avril Haines Nominated as DNI

On November 23, 2020, President-elect Joe Biden nominated Avril Haines as the seventh DNI.

January 20, 2021: Avril Haines Takes Office as DNI

On January 20, 2021, Avril Haines took office as the seventh DNI, becoming the first woman to hold the office.

January 21, 2021: End of Service for DNIs during Trump Administration

On January 21, 2021, Dan Coats, John Ratcliffe, and acting DNIs Joseph Maguire, Richard Grenell, and Lora Shiao concluded their service as DNIs during the end of President Donald Trump's first administration.

November 13, 2024: Trump Nominates Tulsi Gabbard for DNI

On November 13, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence.

January 2025: Tulsi Gabbard set to become DNI

In January 2025, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence upon returning to the presidency.