The Pentagon has launched a polygraph testing operation targeting high-ranking military officials to identify the source of a leak involving classified information about U.S. munitions stockpiles, according to U.S. press reports.
Approximately 50 members of the military's Joint Staff — the Pentagon's planning and advisory staff — are being required to take polygraph tests as part of the investigation, The New York Times reported late Friday. CBS News also reported the wide-scale use of lie detectors in the inquiry.
In July, reports emerged that the United States was rationing munitions, particularly missile interceptors, over supply concerns following several months of fighting Iran. Administration officials vehemently denied those reports at the time.
President Donald Trump responded to the July reports by stating "we have a lot of ammunition, different types," while acknowledging that "for some of the more sophisticated stuff, we'd certainly like to have more."
The leak investigation centers on how classified stockpile information reached journalists' hands, prompting the Pentagon's decision to conduct the polygraph dragnet among senior military personnel.