Polygraph Tests at Pentagon - National Security Leak Investigation

Senior military officials subjected to polygraph tests in Pentagon leaks investigation

Dozens of top U.S. military leaders faced polygraph examinations this summer as the Pentagon intensified its hunt for those behind leaks of classified information on American weapons reserves, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from some officials caught in the probe.

Earlier this summer, several dozen U.S. military and civilian officials, including personnel from U.S. Central Command and other combatant commands, were ordered to take polygraph tests as part of an expanding national security leak investigation.

The Pentagon’s extraordinary step targeted those with access to some of the nation’s most sensitive defense secrets, as officials sought to identify the source of leaks about U.S. weapons stockpiles and other classified matters. The push followed mounting frustration at the highest levels, three sources told CBS News that President Donald Trump was furious about the leaks and demanded aggressive action.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has made combating leaks a public priority, announced in July that the Pentagon and Justice Department had formed a joint task force to identify and prosecute those suspected of leaking classified government information to the media.

Hegseth also granted the Pentagon’s Office of General Counsel broad authority to demand records and cooperation from military officials for leak probes, and Pentagon personnel were instructed to respond to such requests within two days. These moves signaled a dramatic escalation in the federal government’s approach to internal security, raising the pressure on senior leaders across the Defense Department.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell underscored the seriousness of the effort, stating: “The Department does not comment on internal personnel or investigative matters but takes all leaks of classified national security information extremely seriously and investigates accordingly. Securing classified information is critical to ensuring the security of the United States and of our troops deployed around the world.”

Read about it...

DHS Prolific leaker found Leaker has been terminated

Alleged DHS leaker has been terminated by Trump administration

Last week, reports broke that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem had discovered that a top official in her department had been leaking information. The administration announced that it would be pursuing charges against that official.

Every presidential administration has leaks, but the first Trump administration was littered with liberal bureaucrats who wanted to take Trump down. This time around, the administration made it clear that such leaks would not be tolerated.

Very early on, it was announced that polygraph tests would be used to ensure administration loyalty.

The DHS, at the time, announced, “The Department of Homeland Security is a national security agency. We can, should, and will polygraph personnel.”

Last week, Noem announced that she had identified a leaker within the administration and that a prosecution would be sought.

Read more...

Polygraphs to be given to DHS Personnel

Department of Homeland Security implements polygraph tests for staff leaks

Federal agencies expand polygraph testing protocols

The FBI has historically used polygraph screening for potential hires, but significantly increased its use of lie detector tests for employees handling sensitive information after 2001. This shift occurred following the arrest of former FBI agent Robert Hanssen for espionage activities with Russia.

The Pentagon has also joined this trend, announcing in March its plans to investigate national security information leaks through various means, including potential polygraph tests for Defense Department employees.

DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the department's commitment to identifying and prosecuting leakers regardless of their position or status within the organization. The agency maintains that such unauthorized disclosures pose significant risks to national security.

McLaughlin stated the department's position on X: The Department of Homeland Security is a national security agency. We can, should, and will polygraph personnel.

Read more about it...