The Department of Defense has initiated an investigation into “recent unauthorized disclosures of national security information” and plans to use polygraph tests as part of the probe, according to a memo published on the department’s website Friday.
“The use of polygraphs in this investigation will comply with applicable law and policy,” DOD Chief of Staff Joe Kasper wrote. “This investigation will commence immediately and culminate in a report to the Secretary of Defense.”
Kasper added that any party identified as responsible for an unauthorized disclosure would be referred for criminal prosecution.
The memo follows President Donald Trump’s dismissal of a New York Times report claiming that DOGE head Elon Musk would be briefed on U.S. military plans for a potential conflict with China during his visit to the Pentagon on Friday. Trump denied the claim, stating he wouldn’t share such plans “with anybody,” while Pentagon officials also rejected the report on social media. Musk did, however, meet with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for over an hour.
The Defense Department is the latest government agency to implement polygraph testing for leak investigations. Earlier this month, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem reaffirmed her department’s commitment to the practice after reports surfaced that she had directed polygraphs to include questions about leaks to the media. Noem has insisted that internal leaks pose a threat and must be addressed.
“We have identified two individuals within the Department of Homeland Security who have leaked information, jeopardizing law enforcement operations,” Noem said in a video on X. “We plan to prosecute them and hold them accountable.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice announced its own investigation on Friday into what it described as the “selective leak of inaccurate but classified” information regarding the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
“We will not tolerate politically motivated efforts by the Deep State to undermine President Trump’s agenda by leaking false information,” Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “The Alien Enemies Proclamation is based on fact, law, and common sense. We will establish this in court and ensure the removal of TDA terrorists from this country.”
