The country's No. 2 intelligence official, Sue Gordon, knew it was likely she would have to eventually step down from her post, but the timing of that decision became more urgent on Thursday after her boss -- outgoing spy chief Dan Coats -- interrupted a meeting she was holding on election security and asked his deputy to submit her letter of resignation, sources familiar with the events told CNN.

President Donald Trump praised his pick for acting director of national intelligence, Joseph Maguire, as an "excellent" choice and a "very talented man" Friday, but it remains unclear where the new acting spy chief stands on some of the most pressing national security issues facing the country today.

The White House has gone back to the drawing board in its search for a new nominee to be the nation's top intelligence official after President Donald Trump's first choice, Rep. John Ratcliffe, abruptly withdrew from consideration last week.

President Donald Trump may go outside the normal protocol to name an acting director of national intelligence to serve until his choice, Rep. John Ratcliffe, is confirmed, three sources tell CNN.

President Donald Trump addressed the escalating situation in Hong Kong Tuesday, saying US intelligence indicates "the Chinese Government is moving troops to the Border," but security officials tell CNN that Beijing regularly maintains a force presence there.

Eighteen US Marines and one sailor were arrested Thursday for alleged involvement in various illegal activities ranging from human smuggling to drug-related offenses, according to a statement made to CNN from the Naval Criminal Investigative Services.