The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was established in 1947 with the signing of the National Security Act by President Harry S. Truman. Its creation was a response to the growing need for a centralized intelligence apparatus in the early stages of the Cold War. The CIA's primary role is to gather, process, and analyze national security information from around the world, utilizing human intelligence (HUMINT) and other methods. As an independent agency, it operates under the direction of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and provides critical intelligence to policymakers, including the President and the National Security Council. The CIA's functions encompass a wide range of activities, from covert operations and counterintelligence to cyber espionage and counterterrorism, making it a key player in shaping U.S. foreign policy and ensuring national security.