US national security agencies under President Donald Trump’s administration have intensified internal investigations into leaks to the media, with the FBI now using polygraph tests to identify sources of unauthorised disclosures, current and former officials said.
The FBI confirmed it has recently begun administering polygraphs—commonly referred to as lie detector tests—as part of its leak investigations.
While polygraphs have traditionally been used during security clearance processes, their expanded use in internal probes marks a notable shift.
An FBI spokesperson stated the severity of the leaks, which potentially compromised security protocols, prompted the new measures.
The crackdown aligns with Attorney General Pam Bondi’s updated guidelines, which widen the scope of prosecutable offenses to include “privileged or sensitive” information—not just classified data.
Officials across agencies, including the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security, report a chilling effect on morale.
Some employees are avoiding contact with journalists or even social events out of fear of surveillance or reprisal.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also supported polygraph use and is investigating senior officials over leaks.
Critics, including former intelligence officials, warn the measures are fostering a climate of fear and harming agency independence.
“They’re not just targeting classified leaks—they’re pursuing dissent,” said one former official.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard recently confirmed criminal referrals for multiple leaks, pledging cooperation with the Justice Department to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Former officials compared the atmosphere to authoritarian regimes, warning that suppressing internal criticism could endanger national decision-making.
Polygraphs are controversial; experts note they detect stress, not truth, and have led to false positives in the past.
Still, their expanded use reflects the administration’s aggressive stance toward internal dissent and media exposure.
The Justice Department has not commented further on potential prosecutions.
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