National Security Advisor

The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, commonly referred to as the National Security Advisor, serves as the chief adviser to the President of the United States on national security issues. This person serves on the National Security Council within the Executive Office of the President.

The National Security Advisor is appointed by the President without confirmation by the U.S. Senate. As such, they are not connected to the bureaucracies of the Departments of State and Defense, and are therefore able to offer independent advice. The power and role of the National Security Advisor varies from administration to administration.