What is the primary organization responsible for national security intelligence in the U.S.?

The primary organization responsible for national security intelligence in the U.S. is the Intelligence Community (IC). The IC is composed of various agencies and organizations that gather and analyze information about foreign governments, corporations, and individuals to support national security and foreign policy objectives.

The Intelligence Community integrates efforts from multiple entities, including the CIA, FBI, and other agencies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to intelligence collection and analysis. Its unified structure allows for efficient information sharing and collaboration among members, enhancing the overall capability to address national security threats.

While individual agencies like the CIA and FBI play crucial roles within the IC—such as gathering intelligence and conducting counterintelligence operations—they do not encompass the full scope of national security intelligence. The Department of Homeland Security primarily focuses on domestic threats, which diversifies its functions from the broader realm that the Intelligence Community oversees. Therefore, the Intelligence Community represents the overarching structure responsible for coordinating and managing intelligence related to national security.