Pentagon Subjects Dozens of Staff to Polygraph Tests Over Leaks

US investigators have subjected about 50 military and civilian employees working on the Pentagon's Joint Staff to lie-detector examinations as part of an investigation into a series of unauthorised media leaks, according to The New York Times.

The investigation is examining whether personnel disclosed classified information to journalists, with particular attention focused on reports about falling US stocks of critical military ammunition.

The polygraph tests were conducted last month after several news organisations reported significant reductions in supplies of key weapons, including long-range missiles and Patriot air-defence interceptors.

US officials have disputed claims that American weapons reserves had fallen to dangerously low levels, maintaining that the country retains sufficient stocks to support its military operations.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell declined to comment specifically on the internal investigation or administrative measures when approached by The New York Times.

However, he said the Defence Department treats unauthorised disclosures of national security information with the utmost seriousness.

"Securing classified information is critical to ensuring the security of the United States and of our troops deployed around the world," Parnell said.

The Joint Staff employs between 1,500 and 2,000 military and civilian personnel and is responsible for helping coordinate military strategy, policy and operational planning with US combat commands around the world.

Unprecedented Pentagon crackdown

People familiar with the investigation told The New York Times that the extensive use of polygraph examinations is intended not only to identify those responsible for the leaks but also to discourage others from disclosing sensitive information in the future.

Legal and military experts described the scale of the operation as highly unusual, saying senior US military personnel have not previously been subjected to polygraph testing on such a broad basis in modern times.

The investigation comes amid growing scrutiny of the impact of US military operations involving Iran on American weapons supplies. Reports about depleted stockpiles have also fuelled internal debate over the conduct and future direction of the conflict.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded tougher action against unauthorised government disclosures. He has also sharply criticised media reports concerning US ammunition levels and the administration's handling of the Iran conflict, at times accusing journalists of acting in a "treasonous" manner.

The continuing leaks have contributed to an increasingly tense atmosphere inside the Pentagon, with current and former officials reportedly linking some of the internal distrust to the leadership style of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

According to the report, Hegseth has operated with a relatively small circle of trusted aides and has removed or blocked the promotions of at least 80 generals, admirals and other senior officials since taking office.

The Pentagon has also launched several investigations into suspected leaks following critical media coverage of Hegseth's leadership.

Hegseth himself has faced scrutiny over his handling of sensitive information, including criticism after operational details were shared in a Signal group chat.

Tensions increased further last month when the Defence Department dismissed the senior editor and publisher of Stars and Stripes, the independent, government-funded newspaper serving the US military community.

Employees at the publication said the dismissals were retaliation for reports examining deteriorating conditions aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.

Despite the growing controversy surrounding the Pentagon and its leadership, Trump has continued to support Hegseth and has publicly described his performance as "fantastic".