About 50 members of the US military’s Joint Staff were subjected to lie detector tests in the month before the report, amid an investigation into unauthorised leaks about dwindling US ammunition reserves, according to The New York Times.
The examinations followed reports describing sharp declines in supplies including long-range missiles and Patriot air defence interceptors. US officials disputed those reports and said American weapons stockpiles remained more than sufficient.
What the investigation is examining
The inquiry is focused on whether civilian or military personnel provided classified details to reporters. People familiar with the investigation told The New York Times that the effort was intended both to identify those responsible and to discourage further leaks.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell declined to discuss specific administrative or investigative actions. He said securing classified information is critical to the security of the United States and troops deployed around the world.
Key points
- The inquiry covers civilian and military personnel on the Joint Staff.
- The Joint Staff has between 1,500 and 2,000 military and civilian staff.
- The reported purpose was to identify possible leakers and deter future disclosures.
- The Pentagon says it treats leaks of national security information extremely seriously.
Why the leak reports matter
The reports about ammunition reserves came as active US military operations involving Iran were described as placing severe strain on weapons supplies and prompting internal debate about the conflict’s wider direction.
President Donald Trump has called for tougher enforcement against unauthorised disclosures and has described critical coverage of ammunition shortages and the administration’s handling of the Iran conflict as “treasonous”. The reported investigation follows several other Pentagon leak probes. For additional context, see “US Pentagon demands faster munitions output amid Iran war”.
Wider tensions at the Pentagon
The New York Times report linked the persistent leaks to a climate of distrust inside the Pentagon, which current and former officials attributed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s management style. The report said Hegseth had ousted or blocked the promotions of at least 80 generals, admirals and senior officials during his tenure.
The Defence Department also fired the top editor and publisher of Stars and Stripes last month. Staff members said the action was retaliation for coverage of deteriorating conditions aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Hegseth has faced criticism over sensitive operational details shared in a Signal group chat, while Trump has continued to praise his performance.
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