U.S. military officials given polygraph tests amid classified leak probe

Several senior U.S. military officials have undergone polygraph examinations as part of a broad investigation into the leak of classified information, after media outlets published details about ammunition holdings for some of America’s most advanced weapons, U.S. officials familiar with the matter said.

Scale of testing this summer raised concerns

Officials involved in the probe told investigators that the disclosures prompted alarm that individuals with access to sensitive records could be compromised or working for foreign intelligence services. "Very few people" had access to the classified information on ammunition stockpiles, one source said, a fact that heightened the concern.

According to people briefed on the matter, President Donald Trump was furious about the leak. The investigation has therefore included expanded security measures and vetting of personnel with access to the relevant files.

Polygraph testing is not uncommon for high-ranking military and civilian officials, but the number of people examined in this inquiry this summer was unusually large, the officials said. Earlier in the summer several dozen people were tested, including some personnel from U.S. Central Command and unit commanders.

Authorities continue to pursue the investigation and have not publicly announced any charges. Officials say the steps taken reflect the seriousness with which the leak of classified operational details is being treated.

Photo: press material from the event