Presidential Reflections on U.S. Intelligence: Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter was the 39^th President of the United States and a fervent champion of human rights around the globe. Despite significant foreign policy achievements, his presidential term coincided with a turbulent period in world affairs, especially from 1979-80. Through it all, Carter received dedicated intelligence support from the Central Intelligence Agency.

In memory of Carter, CIA historians are honored to highlight some background on Carter's relationship with the Agency in the lead-up to and during his presidency, as well as share a recently declassified copy of the first President's Daily Brief (PDB) that Carter received after taking office.

Carter and Intelligence Briefings

In the summer of 1976, then-Georgia Governor and presidential hopeful Jimmy Carter took the unprecedented initiative of asking for intelligence briefings before he was officially nominated as his party's candidate for U.S. President. President Gerald Ford, Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) George H.W. Bush, and National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft agreed to Carter's request.

At first, Carter was somewhat skeptical of the Agency. His skepticism was largely shaped by the times. The 1970s were difficult for the Intelligence Community (IC), as the nation's distrust for the government came to a head in the wake of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. Then, the IC was suddenly drawn into the spotlight after media revelations of a series of constitutionally questionable activities beginning in the 1950s that were directed by the Executive Branch but unknown to Congress and the American public. CIA found itself under intense congressional scrutiny amid calls for U.S. intelligence agencies to reveal all of their activities and subject themselves to more oversight.

Carter's early experiences with CIA briefings and finished intelligence products eased some of his concerns. During his initial briefings, Carter was inquisitive and eager to learn about intelligence activities. The CIA briefings were aimed at helping Carter understand the workings of the IC, as well as how to process the classified information he was being given. CIA briefers were impressed not only by Carter's interest in their briefing, but by the hospitality shown to them by the aspiring President and Mrs. Carter.

After Carter was officially nominated as the Democratic presidential candidate, DCI Bush presided over more detailed briefings. Bush brought several CIA officers with him to every briefing to ensure every question asked could be answered. The intelligence professionals met with Carter periodically during the campaign to bring him up to speed on the latest information.

Prior to being sworn in as President, Carter began to receive daily copies of the PDB-a rigorous compilation of the IC's analysis on key foreign developments affecting U.S. national security that is passed to the President and a select group of senior cabinet officials each day. The PDB is tailored to every President's decision-making needs and formatting preferences. On January 20, 1977, Carter received his first PDB from CIA as President of the United States.

Turner at the Helm of CIA

After taking office, President Carter chose a new DCI, Admiral Stansfield Turner, to lead CIA. Turner had attended the Naval Academy with Carter, graduated at the top of his class, and had a very successful Navy career.

Together, Carter and Turner redefined the relationship between Congress and the IC. In addition, Carter signed Executive Order 12036, which gave the DCI increased authority to manage the IC.

In a speech delivered during a visit to the Agency on August 16, 1978, Carter recognized the dedication of the men and women of CIA:

"I appreciate what you are, what you do, the high professionalism, training, education, experience that you bring to your job and which you demonstrate every day with your good work, the honesty and integrity that you present to me and to your other superiors, to the Congress, to the public for critical examination."

Turning to CIA for Intelligence Support

Two highlights of the vital role intelligence played during the Carter Administration are Carter's brokering of the Camp David Accords and his approval of CIA's operation to rescue the "Canadian Six " American diplomats after a hostile takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

Carter was determined to pursue peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Behind-the-scenes, CIA supported Carter's diplomatic efforts leading up to his summit with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at Camp David in September 1978. Intelligence documents provided to the Carter Administration included context on regional dynamics in the Middle East and leadership profiles on Sadat and Begin. After nearly two weeks of difficult negotiations, the Camp David Accords were signed, providing a framework for peace.

The end of Carter's tenure, however, was a tumultuous time. In November 1979, Iranian militants seized control of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held 52 U.S. citizens hostage for more than a year. Throughout the crisis, Carter received extensive support from the Agency in the form of daily briefings, finished intelligence, and even a daring rescue operation that successfully freed six American diplomats-Argo.

Click on The Langley Files podcast thumbnails to hear the side of the Argo mission that hasn't been shared before

A Presidential Farewell Tradition

From President Truman on, each president has written a note of thanks to the men and women of the CIA. These notes are displayed with the president's official photograph in the Presidential Gallery near the lobby of CIA Headquarters.

Carrying on the tradition, President Carter wrote a note accompanying his portrait that reads:

"I am impressed with the professionalism and responsiveness of the CIA. I think if all Americans knew what I know, there would be an alleviation of concern."

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