Who are the statutory members of the National Security Council?

The statutory members of the National Security Council (NSC) include the President, Vice President, Secretary of State, and Secretary of Defense. This composition reflects the key leadership positions within the U.S. government that are integral to shaping and implementing national security and foreign policies.

The President serves as the chair and sets the agenda for the council, while the Vice President provides support and perspective on national issues. The Secretary of State is responsible for managing foreign diplomatic relations and addressing national security matters from a global standpoint. The Secretary of Defense oversees military operations and defense policy, making their role crucial in discussions about the nation's security posture.

This structure ensures that the NSC is equipped with high-level officials who have broad authority and understanding of both diplomatic and military perspectives, which is essential for comprehensive national security strategy development.