WASHINGTON – The Pentagon has launched an internal investigation into recent leaks of sensitive information, an inquiry that could involve the use of polygraph examinations, according to officials. The announcement, made on , comes as the Biden administration grapples with concerns over the unauthorized disclosure of classified material.
The investigation mirrors similar efforts undertaken by previous administrations when faced with leaks, often employed as a means of gauging public reaction to potential policy shifts. Officials indicated that the leaks may be intentional, serving as a “trial balloon” to assess how proposed decisions might be received, according to reporting by the Associated Press.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has taken a leading role in addressing the issue, publicly acknowledging the seriousness of the breaches. A photograph released by the AP shows Hegseth conducting a television interview outside the White House on .
While polygraph results are generally not admissible as evidence in court proceedings, federal law enforcement agencies and those involved in national security clearances routinely utilize them as an investigative tool. The Pentagon’s decision to consider polygraphs signals a heightened level of concern regarding the source and scope of the leaks.
The use of polygraphs, however, remains controversial. Critics question their reliability and accuracy, arguing that they can produce false positives and false negatives. Despite these concerns, the Pentagon believes the examinations could provide valuable leads in identifying individuals responsible for the disclosures.
The investigation is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny over information security within the federal government. A recent Executive Order aimed at improving the nation’s cybersecurity, as highlighted by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), underscores the administration’s commitment to safeguarding sensitive data. The EO focuses on enhancing the ability to detect malicious cyber activity on federal networks through a government-wide endpoint detection and response (EDR) system.
The Department of Labor also emphasizes the importance of Operations Security (OPSEC), defining it as a process to protect unclassified but sensitive information. This highlights the broad awareness across government agencies of the need to safeguard information, even if it isn’t formally classified.
The leaks come as the government is also dealing with other security-related incidents. Recent reporting from ProPublica identified two Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents involved in the shooting of Alex Pretti, demonstrating the ongoing challenges in maintaining transparency and accountability within federal agencies.
The FBI maintains a public webpage of press releases, offering a window into the agency’s ongoing investigations and security concerns. While the Pentagon investigation is separate, it reflects a broader pattern of heightened vigilance across the federal government regarding information security.
Officials have not yet disclosed the nature of the leaked information or the potential damage it could cause. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the Pentagon pursues all available leads. The focus remains on identifying the source of the leaks and implementing measures to prevent future breaches.
