By Steve Neavling
The FBI has begun administering polygraph tests in an effort to identify the source of leaks from within the bureau, the agency said Monday.
“We can confirm the FBI has begun administering polygraph tests to identify the source of information leaks within the bureau,” the FBI’s public affairs office said in a statement to Reuters.
The Washington Post first reported the move, noting that polygraphs, often called “lie detector” tests, are being used as part of the broader leak investigations.
Since returning to office in January, President Donald Trump’s administration has ramped up efforts to crack down on leaks to the media. Last week, the Justice Department made it easier for prosecutors investigating leaks to subpoena journalists’ records and testimony.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also warned of potential prosecutions tied to leaks of Pentagon information, saying that evidence would be handed over to the Justice Department once an internal investigation concludes. Hegseth’s memo left open the possibility of using polygraphs during the inquiry.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard pledged in March to “aggressively pursue recent leakers” and said she had referred two intelligence community leaks to the Justice Department, with a third referral underway.
Gabbard also said she was willing to work with the Justice Department and the FBI “to investigate, terminate and prosecute” those responsible, calling the leakers “criminals.”
