The President's Book of Secrets

The President's Book of Secrets follows the history and evolution of the President's Daily Brief (PDB), a top-secret intelligence document delivered to U.S. presidents each morning. Through interviews with former presidents, intelligence officials, and national security staff, David Priess reconstructs how this vital intelligence product came to be and how different commanders-in-chief have used it. The book traces the PDB from its origins in the Truman administration through modern times, examining how each president's personality and management style influenced their consumption of intelligence. Priess details the complex process of creating and delivering this classified document, including the roles of various intelligence agencies and the pressure to provide accurate, timely information to the nation's leader. The narrative incorporates major historical events and national security challenges, demonstrating how the PDB adapted to meet the needs of successive administrations. The author's background as a former CIA intelligence officer and PDB briefer provides insider perspective on this secretive aspect of executive decision-making. This work stands as an examination of how intelligence shapes presidential power and how different leaders balance the flow of sensitive information with the demands of governing. The book raises questions about the relationship between intelligence gathering and executive authority in American democracy.

Readers found this book offered interesting historical details about the President's Daily Brief (PDB) but noted it can feel repetitive and bureaucratic at times. Positives from reviews: - Clear explanations of intelligence briefing evolution - Behind-the-scenes stories of presidential reactions - Interviews with former presidents and officials - Focus on both process and personalities Common criticisms: - Too much focus on administrative details - Redundant descriptions of briefing procedures - Limited new revelations due to classified nature - Dry writing style in certain sections Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (280+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "Fascinating look at how different presidents consumed intelligence, but gets bogged down in procedural minutiae" - Goodreads reviewer Another reader noted: "Worth reading for the historical perspective but don't expect dramatic secrets to be revealed" - Amazon reviewer

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🔸 While the President's Daily Brief is now delivered on a secure tablet, President Obama was the first to receive it regularly on an iPad, though he still preferred reading the printed version. 🔸 The CIA created a special children's version of the intelligence briefing for President Nixon's 12-year-old daughter Julie, complete with maps and basic foreign policy concepts. 🔸 Author David Priess is a former CIA intelligence officer who himself served as a daily intelligence briefer to senior officials during the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. 🔸 Jimmy Carter was the first president to request that the intelligence briefing include information from outside the CIA, leading to a more comprehensive multi-agency product. 🔸 President George H.W. Bush was uniquely qualified to receive the intelligence brief, having previously served as CIA Director - the only U.S. president with this distinction.