Pentagon gives polygraphs to Joint Staff officials in attempt to find munitions info leak - report

Government investigators have conducted polygraph examinations on around 50 Joint Staff officials within the US military, in an effort to uncover the source of leaks regarding classified information, according to The New York Times. The officers and civilian employees were questioned about whether they disclosed sensitive data to journalists, including details concerning the US's dwindling stockpile of munitions due to the Iran conflict.

The tests were carried out following reports that shed light on diminished supplies of munitions, such as long-range missiles and Patriot interceptors, in August.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell commented on the situation, stating that the department does not discuss internal personnel or investigative matters but treats all leaks of classified national security information with the utmost seriousness and investigates thoroughly. Parnell emphasized that safeguarding classified information is vital for the security of the United States and its troops stationed worldwide.

Just prior to the polygraph tests, US President Donald Trump had expressed dissatisfaction over the public disclosure of information about the decreasing US munitions stockpiles, stating that these revelations made the United States appear weak. In a tweet on Truth Social, Trump dismissed the claims, asserting that the US possessed "massive amounts of munitions, especially of certain types."

However, he also indicated that supplies of certain weapons were limited and threatened "long-term jail sentences" for anyone found responsible for leaking the information.

Later that day, in the Oval Office, Trump confirmed that specific munitions were in shorter supply while reaffirming that the United States had an "almost unlimited" stockpile of less advanced weapons.