As noted, while leaking is illegal, cabinet secretaries, agency heads, [[White House]] and [[National Security Council]] staff, even [[president]]s personally have been known to leak secret information, often piecemeal, as a way to lessen the impact and shape public opinion about controversial actions of the Executive Branch. These types of leaks are often cited as "Senior officials." | As noted, while leaking is illegal, cabinet secretaries, agency heads, [[White House]] and [[National Security Council]] staff, even [[president]]s personally have been known to leak secret information, often piecemeal, as a way to lessen the impact and shape public opinion about controversial actions of the Executive Branch. These types of leaks are often cited as "Senior officials." |