Top US military officials face lie detectors in leak hunt

The Pentagon has initiated a lie-detector investigation to identify individuals who leaked information concerning US munitions stockpiles, according to US press reports. In July, reports surfaced indicating that the United States was rationing missile interceptors due to supply concerns after months of hostilities with Iran. Administration officials consistently denied these reports, with President Donald Trump asserting that the country possessed ample ammunition, although acknowledging a desire for more advanced weaponry.

It was subsequently reported that approximately 50 members of the Joint Staff, the Pentagon's planning and advisory body, were subjected to polygraph tests as part of the investigation into the unauthorized dissemination of classified information. The tests were carried out to determine the source of the leaked data. CBS News also covered the extensive use of lie detectors, noting that Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine was not among those tested.

The Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on the matter, citing its commitment to safeguarding classified information and conducting thorough investigations into leaks. Both The New York Times and CBS highlighted the scale of the polygraph testing, emphasizing that such broad-scale inquiries are uncommon, if not unprecedented, in the realm of leak investigations.

While polygraph testing is standard during background checks and security clearance renewals for personnel with access to sensitive information, the extensive deployment of the devices as part of a leak inquiry was considered rare, according to analysts and unnamed sources. The investigation followed media leaks regarding depleted US munitions stockpiles resulting from military operations against Iran.

Critics have labeled the inquiry as an intimidation tactic orchestrated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, aligning with the Department of Defence's efforts to enforce more stringent information controls. The Pentagon launched the investigation, employing its internal resources, in response to unauthorized disclosures about dwindling US munitions.

Unlike the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Defense Secretary Hegseth opted for an internal investigation, signaling a more aggressive approach to counterintelligence. This probe built upon the establishment of a joint task force between the Pentagon and the Justice Department, aimed at swiftly identifying and prosecuting suspected leakers.