CRS report via FAS – Trump Administration Changes to the National Security Council: Frequently Asked Questions, CRS Insight, Kathleen J. McInnis, Analyst in International Security; John W. Rollins, Specialist in Terrorism and National Security. January 30, 2017 (IN10640).

“On January 28, 2017, the Trump Administration issued National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) 2: Organization of the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council. The memorandum details how the executive branch intends to manage and coordinate national and homeland security issues among relevant departments and agencies. In keeping with the practices of prior administrations, the White House issued the memorandum early in its tenure. Since the memorandum was signed, some media reports have incorrectly characterized the manner in which the Trump administration appears to be organizing itself to manage national security matters. These FAQs are intended to clarify the terms and structures associated with the National Security Council (NSC)…”