Pentagon launches unprecedented polygraph sweep to find source of leaks

The Pentagon has taken an unprecedented step to identify who leaked classified information to the press: about 50 members of the U.S. Joint Staff, including military officers and civilian employees, underwent polygraph tests in August.

The tests followed a series of reports by major U.S. news organizations warning that the country’s ammunition stockpiles were being depleted by the war with Iran. The New York Times cited officials familiar with the matter in reporting the scope of the testing.

People briefed on the case said the decision was intended not only to find the source of the leaks but also to deter anyone considering similar disclosures. The New York Times reported that President Donald Trump had pressured officials to pursue the leaker aggressively. Trump called reports criticizing the U.S. handling of the Iran war and the ammunition shortage “treasonous.”

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treasonous

Current and former U.S. officials said much of the distrust inside the Pentagon stemmed from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Since taking office, Hegseth has removed or blocked the promotions of at least 80 generals and officials and ordered several investigations into articles about his management of the department. He has also held no press briefings on the Iran war since May 5 and has tightened restrictions on journalists working at the Pentagon.

The Joint Staff has about 1,500 to 2,000 officers and officials. It coordinates operations and war planning with U.S. commands around the world and advises the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and national leaders on defense strategy. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the Defense Department “does not comment on personnel matters or internal investigations,” while adding that all leaks of classified information are treated seriously.

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does not comment on personnel matters or internal investigations