Pentagon gives polygraph tests to about 50 Joint Staff members in major leak probe

The Pentagon has subjected about 50 members of the Joint Staff to polygraph tests in an unusually broad investigation into leaks to journalists, The New York Times reported, citing officials briefed on the move.

Investigators asked military officers and civilian employees whether they had disclosed classified information to the press or shared details about declining US munitions stocks. The tests took place in August after news reports described shortages of key weapons, including long-range missiles and Patriot interceptors, during the conflict with Iran.

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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.

People familiar with the effort said it appeared designed not only to identify possible sources but also to discourage other personnel from speaking with journalists. The Joint Staff coordinates operations, policy and war plans with combatant commanders worldwide and includes between 1,500 and 2,000 officers and officials.

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Securing classified information is critical to ensuring the security of the United States and of our troops deployed around the world.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the department would not comment on internal personnel or investigative matters. He stressed that the Pentagon takes leaks of classified national security information seriously and investigates them. “Securing classified information is critical to ensuring the security of the United States and of our troops deployed around the world,” Parnell said.

The scale of the testing has attracted attention because mass polygraph examinations of senior US military personnel have not been seen in modern history. The inquiry follows reports from several news organizations about the war’s effect on US munitions stockpiles and concerns within the administration about the conflict’s strategic direction. President Donald Trump has urged officials to pursue those responsible and previously called critical coverage of the war and reported shortages “treasonous.” Current and former officials told The New York Times that the leak investigations have contributed to distrust inside the Pentagon, which they partly attributed to US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The supplied report ends while describing personnel changes under Hegseth.

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Treasonous