In an unprecedented move, US investigators have subjected approximately 50 members of the military's Joint Staff to lie detector tests following a series of unauthorized media leaks, according to a report by The New York Times. The inquiry focuses on identifying civilian and military personnel who allegedly leaked classified details to reporters, particularly concerning dwindling US ammunition reserves.
The polygraph examinations were conducted last month after news outlets published reports highlighting severe drops in key weapons supplies, including long-range missiles and Patriot air defense interceptors. US officials have pushed back on these reports, insisting that weapons stockpiles are more than sufficient. However, skepticism remains among analysts about the accuracy of these assurances.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell declined to comment directly on internal administrative or investigative actions, but emphasized that the department takes leaks of national security information 'extremely seriously and investigates accordingly.' He added, 'Securing classified information is critical to ensuring the security of the United States and of our troops deployed around the world.'
The Joint Staff, comprising between 1,500 and 2,000 military and civilian personnel, plays a pivotal role in coordinating operational strategy, policy, and war planning with combatant commands globally. Sources familiar with the inquiry say the aggressive push is designed not only to identify the individuals behind the disclosures but also to deter potential future leakers.
Legal and military experts describe the scale of the investigation as unprecedented, as top ranks of the US armed forces have never undergone widespread polygraph testing in modern history. The move follows extensive reporting on how active military operations involving Iran have severely strained US weapons reserves, sparking internal debates over the broader direction of the conflict.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly pushed officials to crack down on unauthorized disclosures, publicly branding critical media coverage of munition shortages and his administration's handling of the Iran conflict as 'treasonous.' The persistent leaks have deepened an atmosphere of deep distrust inside the Pentagon, which current and former officials attribute to the management style of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
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. He has also faced criticism for sharing sensitive operational details in a Signal group chat. Internal tensions escalated further last month when the Defense Department fired the top editor and publisher of Stars and Stripes, an independent, government-funded military news outlet, which staff members claim was retaliation for stories about deteriorating conditions on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
Despite the mounting friction, Trump has backed Hegseth, publicly praising his performance as 'fantastic.' The investigation underscores the deep divisions within the US military leadership and raises questions about transparency and accountability in the Pentagon regime.
Source: www.aljazeera.com