Pentagon Administers Polygraph Tests to About 50 Joint Staff Members in Leak Probe

The Pentagon subjected approximately 50 members of the Joint Staff to polygraph tests last month in what legal and military experts describe as an unprecedented leak investigation, according to Al Jazeera's reporting. The inquiry targeted civilian and military personnel suspected of disclosing classified details to reporters, particularly concerning dwindling U.S. ammunition reserves. News outlets published several reports last month highlighting severe drops in key weapons supplies, including long-range missiles and Patriot air defense interceptors. U.S. officials pushed back on those reports, according to Al Jazeera, insisting their weapons stockpiles were more than sufficient. The Joint Staff, which consists of between 1,500 and 2,000 military and civilian staff, plays a key role in coordinating operational strategy, policy, and war planning with combat commands globally. Sources familiar with the inquiry told the New York Times, according to Al Jazeera's reporting, that the aggressive push was designed not only to identify individuals behind the disclosures but also to deter potential future leakers. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the department takes leaks of national security information "extremely seriously and investigates accordingly" and that "Securing classified information is critical to ensuring the security of the United States and of our troops deployed around the world," according to Al Jazeera. Operating alongside a tight circle of close aides, Hegseth has ousted or blocked the promotions of at least 80 generals, admirals, and senior officials during his tenure, per Al Jazeera. The Pentagon has launched multiple leak probes in response to media coverage of Hegseth's leadership, even as he faced criticism for sharing sensitive operational details in a Signal group chat, according to the outlet. Last month the Defense Department fired the top editor and publisher of Stars and Stripes, an independent, government-funded military news publication, according to Al Jazeera. Staff members said the Stars and Stripes firings were direct retaliation for stories detailing deteriorating conditions on board the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, per Al Jazeera's reporting. Trump has backed Hegseth, publicly praising his performance as "fantastic," according to the outlet. Active military operations involving Iran have severely strained U.S. weapon reserves, causing internal debates over the broader direction of the conflict, Al Jazeera reported. Trump has repeatedly pushed officials to crack down on unauthorized disclosures and has publicly branded critical media coverage regarding munition shortages and the administration's handling of the conflict in Iran as "treasonous," according to Al Jazeera.