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The Pentagon, the Headquarters of the US Department of Defense. Photo was taken from a commercial airliner during the early morning sometime in September 2018.
Photo: Touch Of Light | CC BY-SA 4.0 | Wikimedia Commons

Pentagon Polygraphs Dozens Of Top Officers In Weapons Leak Probe

Earlier in summer 2026, the Pentagon ordered polygraph tests for several dozen senior military officers as part of a probe after classified information about U.S. munitions stockpiles appeared in news reports.[1]

The testing included some U.S. Central Command and other combatant commanders.[1] Two people familiar with the testing told CBS News that no official failed the polygraph questions focused on whether they leaked information to the media.[1] Three people briefed on the matter described President Trump as furious about the disclosures and said officials worried a small group with access might include a foreign intelligence asset.[1] Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell issued an on-record statement stressing the department's seriousness about investigating leaks of classified information.[1]

The probe was launched after highly sensitive classified details about U.S. stockpiles of sophisticated, finite munitions appeared in news reports, prompting officials to try to determine how the material reached reporters.[1]

Officials say the polygraphs were one tool in a broader investigation, and they have not publicly disclosed wider findings or named any suspects.

  1. CBS News
National Security and Defense Military Leadership and Oversight
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📌 Key Facts

  • Earlier in summer 2026, the Pentagon ordered polygraph tests for several dozen senior military officials, including some U.S. Central Command and other combatant commanders.
  • The leak probe was launched after highly sensitive classified information about U.S. stockpiles of sophisticated, finite munitions appeared in news reports.
  • Two sources told CBS News that no official failed the polygraph questions focused on whether they leaked information to the media.
  • President Trump was described by three briefed sources as furious about the leaks, and there were concerns a small group with access might include a foreign intelligence asset.
  • Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell issued an on-record statement stressing the department’s seriousness about investigating leaks of classified information.

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