The White House initiated extensive polygraph testing for high-ranking military officials in August in an effort to identify individuals leaking classified information concerning the ongoing war in Iran. However, details of these internal security measures have subsequently been leaked to the media, a report by The New York Times indicates.
At least 50 members of the Joint Staff underwent the polygraph examinations as part of an initiative to discover who might be providing details to the press. Reports had surfaced suggesting the U.S. military was experiencing shortages of crucial weapon stockpiles amidst the Middle East conflict.
The polygraph testing, described as unprecedented by Rear Adm. Donald J. Guter, marks the first time such measures have been applied so broadly and at such a senior level within the military. The Joint Staff comprises 1,500 to 2,000 officials and officers, led by General Dan Caine and overseen by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated that the department "does not comment on internal personnel or investigative matters but takes all leaks of classified national security information extremely seriously and investigates accordingly." He emphasized that securing classified information is critical for the safety of the United States and its deployed troops.
President Donald Trump has publicly supported the efforts to find those leaking information, calling media coverage of such leaks "treasonous." He has expressed confidence in Secretary Hegseth's handling of the situation.
Secretary Hegseth has reportedly taken a hard line on leaks, with instances of blocking or pushing out promotions for numerous high-ranking officials. He has also significantly limited access for Pentagon journalists to the press corps and has not held a briefing on the Iran war since May 5. In March 2025, he reportedly threatened to subject employees to polygraph tests following a New York Times report that the Pentagon was preparing to brief Tesla CEO Elon Musk about China, a leak that reportedly unsettled him.
At that time, Hegseth allegedly told former Admiral Christopher Grady, who previously held Caine's position, "I'll hook you up to a f***ing polygraph!" according to sources familiar with the exchange. Grady had retired from active duty in September 2025 and was not subjected to a test then.