Michael Hayden, American general, 20th Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

General Michael Vincent Hayden, born on March 17, 1945, stands as one of the United States' most distinguished and experienced intelligence leaders. A highly decorated four-star general in the Air Force, Hayden achieved the rare feat of leading two of the nation's most critical intelligence agencies: the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). His extensive career, spanning over four decades in military and intelligence service, has seen him at the forefront of some of the most significant national security challenges and debates of our time.

A Distinguished Military and Intelligence Career Begins

Michael V. Hayden embarked on his illustrious career in the United States Air Force, where he rose through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic acumen. His deep involvement in intelligence began to take shape, preparing him for the monumental responsibilities he would later undertake. By the late 1990s, General Hayden was recognized as a formidable figure within the intelligence community, known for his incisive intellect and operational expertise.

Leading the National Security Agency (1999-2005)

In March 1999, Michael Hayden was appointed Director of the National Security Agency (NSA), a position he held for six transformative years. His tenure at the NSA coincided with a period of immense global instability, particularly following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In response to the heightened threat, Hayden oversaw the implementation of the controversial NSA warrantless surveillance program. This initiative, designed to monitor electronic communications between individuals within the United States and alleged foreign terrorist groups, ignited a fierce national debate about privacy, civil liberties, and the balance between national security and individual rights. The program, which came to public light later, remains a pivotal, and often debated, aspect of his legacy at the NSA, highlighting the complex ethical and legal considerations inherent in modern intelligence gathering.

Pioneering the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (2005-2006)

Following his impactful time at the NSA, Lieutenant General Hayden was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on April 21, 2005, as the first-ever Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDI). This groundbreaking role was established in the wake of 9/11, aiming to better coordinate the vast and fragmented U.S. intelligence community under a single Director of National Intelligence (DNI). With this appointment, Hayden was also awarded his fourth star, a testament to his extraordinary service, making him the highest-ranking military intelligence officer in the armed forces at the time. He served in this crucial, foundational role under DNI John Negroponte, helping to shape the structure and operations of the newly formed Office of the DNI until May 2006.

At the Helm of the Central Intelligence Agency (2006-2009)

In a further testament to his capabilities, General Hayden was nominated by President George W. Bush on May 8, 2006, to become the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), succeeding Porter J. Goss. His nomination quickly moved through the Senate, receiving a strong 12–3 vote of approval from the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. The full Senate confirmed his appointment on May 26 with a decisive 78–15 vote. On May 30, 2006, and again the following day with President Bush in attendance, General Hayden was officially sworn in, taking charge of America's premier human intelligence and covert action agency. He skillfully navigated the CIA through a challenging period, continuing to serve until February 2009, even after his retirement from the Air Force.

Life Beyond Government: Consultancy, Academia, and Public Discourse

General Michael Hayden officially retired from the Air Force on July 1, 2008, concluding a remarkable 41-year military career. However, his contributions to national security and public policy did not end there. In 2009, he received an honorary doctorate from The Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C., recognizing his profound impact. Today, Hayden remains a highly influential voice in national security discussions. He serves as a principal at the Chertoff Group, a prominent security consultancy co-founded by former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. His expertise is also sought after on various boards, including the Atlantic Council, Motorola Solutions, and Caliburn International, a military contractor known for overseeing operations like the Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Children. Furthermore, General Hayden shares his wealth of knowledge as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, where he also founded the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security, shaping the next generation of intelligence leaders. Since 2017, he has also been a familiar face to television audiences, serving as a respected national security analyst for CNN. He also co-chairs the Bipartisan Policy Center's Electric Grid Cyber Security Initiative, demonstrating his continued commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions about Michael V. Hayden

Who is Michael Hayden?

Michael Vincent Hayden is a retired four-star general of the United States Air Force and a highly influential figure in American intelligence. He uniquely served as the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and later as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

What agencies did Michael Hayden lead?

General Hayden led both the National Security Agency (NSA) from 1999 to 2005 and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 2006 to 2009. He also served as the first Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence (PDDI) from 2005 to 2006.

What was the NSA warrantless surveillance controversy?

During his tenure as NSA Director, Michael Hayden oversaw a controversial program initiated after 9/11 that involved the surveillance of technological communications between individuals in the United States and alleged foreign terrorist groups without prior warrants. This program sparked significant public and legal debate regarding privacy and national security.

What is Michael Hayden doing now?

Currently, Michael Hayden is a principal at the Chertoff Group, a security consultancy, and serves on the boards of various organizations like the Atlantic Council and Motorola Solutions. He is also a Distinguished Visiting Professor at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government, where he founded the Michael V. Hayden Center. He is also a national security analyst for CNN and co-chairs the Bipartisan Policy Center's Electric Grid Cyber Security Initiative.

When did Michael Hayden retire from the military?

General Hayden retired from the Air Force on July 1, 2008, after more than 41 years of service. He continued to serve as the Director of the CIA until February 2009.