There is no part of the executive branch that more exists on the outer edge of executive prerogative than the American intelligence community - the intelligence community, CIA, covert action. My literal responsibility as director of CIA with regard to covert action was to inform the Congress - not to seek their approval, to inform.

In this quote, Michael Hayden speaks to the unique and often controversial role of the American intelligence community, particularly the CIA and its covert action operations. He describes the intelligence community as existing on the "outer edge" of executive prerogative, meaning that it operates in areas of government power that are less visible and more secretive than other branches of the executive. This highlights the sensitive and sometimes ambiguous nature of intelligence work, which often involves decisions and actions that are not fully transparent or subject to public scrutiny.

Hayden goes on to explain his responsibility as the director of CIA, particularly in regard to covert action. He clarifies that his role was to inform Congress about such operations, rather than seeking their approval beforehand. This reflects the specific authority and autonomy granted to the intelligence community, where actions may be initiated without direct consent from Congress, but where they must be briefed afterward. It emphasizes the balance of power between the executive branch and the legislative branch, particularly in matters of national security.

The statement also points to the secrecy and confidentiality that are inherent in intelligence work. By only requiring Congress to be informed after the fact, Hayden underscores the importance of acting swiftly and decisively in matters of national security, where delay due to approval processes might compromise the effectiveness of covert operations. It also suggests a tension between the need for secrecy in intelligence work and the desire for oversight by other government branches.

Ultimately, Hayden’s quote sheds light on the unique nature of the intelligence community's work, its relationship with Congress, and the extent to which intelligence operations are carried out with a high degree of autonomy from the usual democratic processes. It emphasizes the complexity and dynamics of national security decision-making, where certain actions are taken with minimal public knowledge or approval, yet are still subject to oversight and accountability in other ways.