# Clapper tells Senate the NSA does not 'wittingly' collect data on millions of Americans

Date: 2013

On 12 March 2013 Director of National Intelligence [James Clapper](/people/james-clapper) answered 'No, sir… not wittingly' when Senator [Ron Wyden](/people/ron-wyden) asked whether the NSA collects any type of data on millions of Americans. Snowden's disclosures three months later showed bulk collection of Americans' phone records; Clapper later called his answer the 'least untruthful' one.

## People

- James Clapper: https://factrail.ai/people/james-clapper

## Sources

- https://www.wired.com/2016/11/james-clapper-us-intelligence
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/01/james-clapper-apology-congress-erroneous-response

## Methodology

https://factrail.ai/methodology

Canonical: https://factrail.ai/facts/clapper-not-wittingly-senate-testimony-2013-03-12