High-ranking US military officials subjected to polygraph tests over information leaks: CBS

The US military subjected 50 officers and civilian officials to polygraph tests after leaks exposed alleged shortfalls in American stocks of long-range missiles and Patriot interceptors, according to media reports cited on Friday. The tests took place in August and targeted personnel serving with the Joint Staff, the group of senior military leaders that advises the president.

CBS News reported that the FBI did not conduct the examinations. The military used its own internal investigators instead. The sweep did not include every senior leader, and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was excluded. CBS also reported that no official failed questions intended to determine whether they had leaked information to the media.

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does not comment on internal personnel or investigative matters

Investigators were also examining whether a government official might have been working as a foreign spy. The specific munitions data had highly restricted access, CBS reported. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the department “does not comment on internal personnel or investigative matters” but takes classified leaks “extremely seriously and investigates accordingly.”

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extremely seriously and investigates accordingly

President Donald Trump reportedly reacted angrily to the disclosures. He denied that the United States faced strategic weapons shortages, saying the military had “massive amounts” of weaponry. Trump called the leaks “treasonous statements” and “fake news,” and warned that those responsible would be “hunted down” and face severe prison sentences.

The polygraph operation followed other unauthorized disclosures, including part of the Secretary of Defence Orders Book. The document showed six four-star leaders formally objecting to the continuation of large-scale operations against Iran. They warned that the war was “unsustainable” and was eroding global readiness. Parnell called the leak “a crime” and “a betrayal of the force,” while saying much of the reporting was inaccurate.

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massive amounts

The disclosures have also fueled questions about the administration’s broader claims concerning the Iran war. Congressman Ted Lieu challenged the description of Iran as a “failed state,” asking how it could continue launching drones and missiles at US bases and American allies. He also questioned the average US gasoline price of $4.12 and said the White House needed to tell Americans how it planned to exit what he called an endless war. Separately, Axios reported that the administration was drafting a post-war plan intended to guide the US approach to the Middle East after the conflict ends.

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treasonous statements