WASHINGTON (AP) The national intelligence director says the U.S. has commonly spied on leaders of its foreign allies for decades as they are spying on American officials.
National Intelligence Director James Clapper told Congress on Tuesday it's "kind of a basic tenet" of U.S. intelligence-gathering to find out the intentions of foreign leaders.
He said it's done to make sure "what they are saying gels with what's actually going on" and to determine how allies' policies would impact the U.S.
Clapper also said allies have "absolutely" spied on U.S. officials.
He did not offer any specifics.
