US High-Ranking Military Officials Undergo Polygraph Tests Following Weapons Data Leak
A number of high-ranking United States military officials are reported to be undergoing polygraph (lie detector) tests as part of a massive investigation into the leak of classified information. This measure was taken after sensitive details regarding the nation’s advanced weapons stocks were circulated in the mass media.
According to reports from CBS News, President Donald Trump is said to be extremely angry over the leak. Given that only a small group of individuals has access to the classified details of such ammunition, concerns have arisen regarding the potential for individuals to act as foreign intelligence assets.
While polygraph tests are a routine part of security certification for high-ranking military and civilian officials, the volume of individuals being pulled for testing in this instance is considered highly unusual. Dozens of people underwent testing earlier this summer, including officials from US Central Command (Centcom) and other combat commanders.
The polygraph questions delved into various national security issues. However, according to sources familiar with the matter, not a single official failed the questions designed to determine whether they had leaked information to the media.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the department does not comment on internal personnel matters or investigations. “However, we take all leaks of classified national security information very seriously and investigate them according to procedure. Securing classified information is vital to ensuring the security of the United States and our forces worldwide,” he asserted.
This investigation comes several weeks after the outbreak of the war with Iran. Media reports have highlighted the rapid rate of US advanced ammunition usage. In response, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced in July the formation of a joint task force between the Pentagon and the Department of Justice to identify and prosecute leakers of sensitive information.
Hegseth has granted broad authority to the Pentagon’s Office of General Counsel, led by Earl Matthews, to demand information, records, and assistance in the leak investigation. Pentagon personnel have been instructed to prioritise such requests, with a response deadline of only two days.
Hegseth’s aggressive use of polygraphs is not the first of its kind. Previously, he was reported to be incensed after details of a classified briefing regarding China were leaked to the press involving Elon Musk. Hegseth even threatened Admiral Christopher Grady, who was then serving as the Acting Vice Chief of Staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with a polygraph test.
Nevertheless, not all senior officials underwent testing this time. The current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, is reported to be excluded from the list of officials being polygraphed. The investigation is being conducted internally by the military without the involvement of the FBI in the polygraph process.
Under federal law, the Secretary of Defence has the authority to direct counter-intelligence investigations, including polygraphs. However, he must still adhere to regulatory constraints and ensure that examinations are conducted responsibly and effectively.