R. James Woolsey, Former CIA Director, Dies at 84
R. James Woolsey, the former director of the CIA under President Clinton, died on Wednesday at his home in Washington, D.C. at the age of 84, reportedly from a stroke.
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 22, 2026 —
R. James Woolsey, who served as the Director of Central Intelligence under President Bill Clinton, died on Wednesday at his home in Washington, D.C. He was 84 years old.
Woolsey’s death was reportedly due to a stroke. The circumstances surrounding his passing were not further detailed in the information provided.
Woolsey’s tenure as the head of the CIA spanned from 1993 to 1995. Prior to his appointment, he had a notable career in law and national security. He was involved in arms control negotiations and served in various government advisory roles.
During his time at the CIA, Woolsey focused on issues such as intelligence gathering, counterterrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. His leadership came at a time of significant global change following the end of the Cold War.
After leaving the agency, Woolsey remained a public figure, often commenting on national security and intelligence matters. He was known for his outspoken views on various foreign policy and security challenges facing the United States.
The former CIA director’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of American intelligence. His contributions and perspectives shaped discussions on national security for decades.
Story summarized from the original created by Ryan Mancini on thehill.com, see more information here.
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