Top US Military Officials Undergo Polygraphs in Leak Probe Over Weapons Data

Several high-ranking members of the United States military were administered polygraph examinations as part of a broad investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of classified information regarding national weapons stockpiles, according to officials familiar with the matter.

President Donald Trump expressed anger over the breaches, which revealed sensitive data about the rapid consumption of advanced ammunition during ongoing conflicts. Sources indicated that access to these specifics was restricted to a very small circle, raising concerns that a participant might be acting as an asset for foreign intelligence services.

While polygraph screenings are standard for holders of top-secret clearances, the scale of this summer’s testing was unusual. Dozens of individuals, including officials from U.S. Central Command and other combatant commands, underwent the procedures. Two sources stated that none of the subjects failed the specific questions related to media leaks.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell emphasized the department’s serious stance on security breaches. “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,” Parnell said. “Securing classified information is critical to ensuring the security of the United States and of our troops deployed around the world.”

Not every senior leader was included in the testing. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was not polygraphed, according to a senior Pentagon official. The New York Times first reported on the scope of the examinations.

In July, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the creation of a joint task force with the Justice Department to identify and prosecute those leaking sensitive information. This initiative expanded upon efforts started within his office and granted the Pentagon’s Office of General Counsel, led by Earl Matthews, wide authority to compel records and cooperation with a two-day response deadline.

“When a leak of department information occurs today, it’s critical that we provide the Department of Justice and other partners in federal law enforcement — including the FBI — with actionable information as quickly as possible,” Hegseth stated. “Leaked information risks lives.”

The move followed a separate incident where the Justice Department issued subpoenas to New York Times reporters concerning security issues on Trump’s new Air Force One, though those subpoenas were later withdrawn after judicial criticism.

National security officials noted that the FBI did not conduct these particular polygraphs, which were handled by military investigators. Federal law requires that such tests be used responsibly and that subjects consent to them, typically when clearing themselves of allegations or resolving serious security findings.

This is not the first time Hegseth has utilized polygraphs in leak disputes. Last year, following the departure of former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. C.Q. Brown, Hegseth allegedly threatened former Acting Chairman Adm. Christopher Grady with a polygraph after details of a classified briefing on China, arranged for Elon Musk, reached the press. According to the Wall Street Journal, Hegseth also threatened Lt. Gen. Doug Sims, who subsequently retired rather than accepting a promotion to four-star general.