Which federal agency is primarily responsible for counter-terrorism efforts in the U.S.?

The primary responsibility for counter-terrorism efforts in the U.S. rests with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Established in response to the events of September 11, 2001, DHS was created to consolidate various federal agencies and functions aimed at protecting the nation from various threats, including terrorism. The DHS coordinates the country's overall strategy for preventing and responding to terrorist attacks and works to enhance the security of the nation through a combination of intelligence gathering, sharing, and operational capabilities.

While the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) also plays a significant role in counter-terrorism, particularly in domestic contexts and law enforcement activities, its focus is more specific compared to the broader protective mandate of the DHS. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) primarily engages in foreign intelligence and operations, which complements rather than leads U.S. counter-terrorism efforts. The National Security Agency (NSA) focuses on signals intelligence and cybersecurity rather than direct counter-terrorism operations. Thus, the overall coordination and strategic oversight of counter-terrorism in the U.S. clearly fall under the purview of the DHS.