[6] Truman soon recognized the inefficiency of this arrangement and created the Central Intelligence Group,[7] which could be considered a smaller precursor to the National Security Council.

The duties of the DCI had been further defined over the years by tradition, congressional acts, and Executive Orders.

Beginning in February 2017, the D/CIA was elevated to Cabinet of the United States level status, as designated by the Trump administration.

[9] In July 2023, the D/CIA was once again elevated to Cabinet of the United States level status by the Biden administration.

However, the president of the United States retains discretion to depart from the list in designating an acting director.