High-ranking U.S. military officials have undergone polygraph tests as part of an investigation into leaks regarding sophisticated United States weapon reserves, according to a report published September 5.
CBS reported that the investigation follows revelations that President Donald Trump was angered by the leaks because only a small group of people possessed the information. The situation has raised suspicions regarding the possibility of a person acting as a foreign intelligence informant.
The individuals subjected to polygraph testing included combat commanders and officials from U.S. Central Command. According to sources cited in the report, none of the individuals failed questions related to national security matters. General Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was not among those subjected to the testing.
Defense Secretaries hold the authority to order these tests during investigations, though federal law requires the subject to authorize the exam. The Secretary of Defense must also ensure tests are used responsibly and provide information regarding their application to the appropriate Congressional bodies.
Following the outbreak of war between the United States and Iran, CBS and other media outlets reported that Washington was rapidly using its most advanced munitions. In response, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon and the Department of Justice would work together to prosecute individuals suspected of leaking confidential government information to the press.
The New York Times was the first outlet to report that polygraph tests were being administered to high-ranking military officials. The publication also released information regarding security deficiencies related to the new Air Force One.
Following these publications, the Department of Justice issued subpoenas to several reporters from The New York Times. However, the DOJ later withdrew those subpoenas following a controversial judicial hearing where a federal judge questioned prosecutors regarding the reasons for requesting that information.
