National security and terrorism decision-making that issues from the White House is often labeled as the president's. In fact, these decisions are made by a collection of key advisors and department heads in intelligence, military, diplomacy and homeland security. On this page, you'll find the people who inform policy in the Obama administration.
Dennis C. Blair, Director of National Intelligence
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Dennis C.Blair was sworn in as the Director of National Intelligence on January 29, 2009.
Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State
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Hillary Clinton, once Obama's rival for the presidency, was sworn in as Secretary of State on January 21, 2009.
Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense
Robert Gates served as the Department of Defense Secretary under George W. Bush, following the resignation of former Defense Secretary Rumsfeld in 2006.
Jim Jones, National Security Advisor
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Jim Jones, a retired Marine General, was appointed National Security Advisor by Obama shortly after the 2008 election.
Janet Napolitano, Head of Homeland Security Department
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Janet Napolitano took office as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on January 21, 2009.
Leon Panetta, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency
Leon Panetta assumed the directorship of the Central Intelligence Agency on February 14, 2009.