History of Director of National Intelligence in Timeline
The Director of National Intelligence (DNI) is a cabinet-level position in the United States government created by the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. The DNI serves as the head of the United States Intelligence Community (IC) and oversees the National Intelligence Program (NIP). All agencies within the IC report directly to the DNI, centralizing intelligence leadership and coordination.
1997: Donald M. Kerr's Role at FBI
Between 1997 and 2001, Donald M. Kerr served as an assistant director at the FBI, leading the Laboratory Division.
2001: End of Kerr's Tenure at FBI
In 2001, Donald M. Kerr concluded his service as assistant director at the FBI.
June 19, 2002: Introduction of Legislation for DNI
Senators Feinstein, Rockefeller, and Graham introduced S. 2645 on June 19, 2002, proposing the creation of the Director of National Intelligence position.
July 22, 2004: 9/11 Commission Report Recommendation
The 9/11 Commission Report, released on July 22, 2004, recommended the creation of the DNI position to address intelligence failures identified in the report.
December 17, 2004: Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act Signed
President George W. Bush signed the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act into law on December 17, 2004, officially establishing the DNI position.
2004: Creation of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI)
In 2004, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act established the position of Director of National Intelligence (DNI) to lead the United States Intelligence Community (IC) and oversee the National Intelligence Program (NIP).
2004: Establishment of the Office of the DNI (ODNI)
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 established the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to support the DNI's mission of integrating intelligence efforts.
February 17, 2005: John Negroponte Nominated as First DNI
On February 17, 2005, President Bush nominated John Negroponte as the first DNI.
April 21, 2005: John Negroponte Confirmed as First DNI
The Senate confirmed John Negroponte as the first DNI on April 21, 2005, and he was sworn in by President Bush the same day.
February 13, 2007: Mike McConnell Becomes Second DNI
Mike McConnell became the second DNI on February 13, 2007, succeeding John Negroponte.
March 23, 2007: DNI Announces Organizational Changes
DNI Mike McConnell announced organizational changes within the intelligence community on March 23, 2007.
August 24, 2007: DNI Website Inaccessible to Search Engines
On August 24, 2007, it was reported that the DNI website was configured to prevent search engine indexing.
September 3, 2007: DNI Website Indexing Restored
The DNI website's search engine cloaking was reportedly removed on September 3, 2007.
September 2007: Release of Integration and Collaboration Plans
In September 2007, the Office of the DNI published "Intelligence Community 100 Day & 500 Day Plans for Integration & Collaboration" to promote cooperation and reform within the U.S. Intelligence Community.
October 4, 2007: Donald M. Kerr Confirmed as Principal Deputy Director
Donald M. Kerr was confirmed as Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence on October 4, 2007.
October 9, 2007: Donald M. Kerr Sworn In
Donald M. Kerr was sworn in as Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence on October 9, 2007.
July 30, 2008: Strengthening of DNI Role
On July 30, 2008, President George W. Bush issued Executive Order 13470, which enhanced the DNI's authority over intelligence gathering, analysis, and sharing, as well as personnel decisions within the intelligence community.
May 28, 2010: Dennis C. Blair Resigns as DNI
Dennis C. Blair's resignation as the third DNI took effect on May 28, 2010.
July 20, 2010: James Clapper Nominated as Fourth DNI
On July 20, 2010, President Obama nominated James Clapper as the fourth DNI.
October 10, 2012: Expansion of DNI Responsibilities
On October 10, 2012, President Obama, through Presidential Policy Directive 19, granted the DNI further responsibility over the IC's whistleblowing and source protection programs.
March 16, 2017: DNI Appointments During Trump Administration
Dan Coats, John Ratcliffe, and acting DNIs Joseph Maguire, Richard Grenell, and Lora Shiao served during President Trump's administration, beginning on March 16, 2017.
November 23, 2020: Avril Haines Nominated as DNI
President-elect Joe Biden nominated Avril Haines for DNI on November 23, 2020.
January 20, 2021: Avril Haines Confirmed as DNI
Avril Haines was confirmed by the Senate as DNI on January 20, 2021, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
January 21, 2021: End of Trump Administration DNI Appointments
The terms of DNI appointees during the Trump administration concluded on January 21, 2021.