6 6 Approved for (306697534 Page 1 of2 UNCLASSIFIED 12/16/2016" Message from.the Director CoHeagues: Earlier this week i met separately with James Comey and DNI Jim Clapper, and there is strong consensus among us on the scope, nature, and intent of Russian interference in our recent Presidential election. The three of us also agree that our organizations, along with others, need to focus on completing the thorough review of this issue that has been directed by President Obama and which is being led by the DNI. We are on track to finish this review by early the constant barrage of frequently inaccurate and misleading stories in the media, including comments by named and anonymous sources that dismiss the value of intelligence and impugn the integrity of intelligence officers. Since last summer, the Administration has provided extensive, detailed classified and unclassified briefings to members and staff from both parties on Capitol Hill. In recent days, I have had several conversations with members of Congress, providing an update on the status of the review as well as the considerations that need to be taken into account as we proceed. Many?but unfortunately not all?members understand and appreciate the importance and gravity of the issue, and they are very supportive of the process that is underway. Despite these distractions, you continue to carry out your responsibilities with outstanding integrity and focus, and you are making constant contributions of great consequence to our national security, as well as to peace and stability around the globe. Never have our national security challenges been so numerous and complex, nor has the need for your service been so great. John NatSecAct 7/18/2017 Approved for easement} 006697534 0 6 6 9 713% EAS SIFIED: Approved for (306697534 Page 2 of 2 UNCLASSIFIED By Date 1 ClALink Ho-m?e. NatSecAct 7/18/2017 Approved for 006697534 UimeD 01F Approved for ddld??s'ee?iiji?iga 006697535 NatSecAct UNCLASSIFIED - 0 PA oti ces Message from the Director: CIA in the News Colleagues: I am sure you have noticed that CIA is in the news again, with a variety of reports and commentary about purported CIA intelligence and assessments on foreign activities related to last month?s Presidential election. There likely will be additional uninformed public discourse and speculation on this matter that will surface in the media in the days and weeks ahead. I understand how frustrating such reports can be, but this is one of the many challenges we face in our line of work. As you know, we are participating in a thorough Intelligence Community review of malicious cyber activity related to our Presidential election cycle that President Obama has directed be completed in January. In the meantime, I urge you to disregard the distractions, stay focused on your mission, and continue to carry out your responsibilities in the outstanding manner that you always have. Our intelligence mission as well as our national security rely heavily on your dedication, talent, and hard work. Thank you so much for your continued service to our country. John UNCLASSIFIED By Date ClALink Home lofl . 7/17/20171242 PM Approved for R?ld?em?i?m C06697535