Pentagon Launches Investigation on National Security Leak
- paolo bibat
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
The Pentagon has initiated an investigation into alleged leaks of national security information, a move that could subject defense personnel to polygraph tests.
This development follows a contentious report suggesting tech billionaire Elon Musk was to be briefed on U.S. military strategies for a hypothetical war with China—a claim denied by both President Donald Trump and Musk.
In a memo issued late Friday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's chief of staff called for an inquiry into "unauthorized disclosures of national security information." While the memo did not specify the nature of the leaks, it emphasized that any identified offenders could face criminal prosecution. The Pentagon’s intelligence and law enforcement divisions will lead the investigation, with polygraph tests being considered to identify potential leakers.
The controversy erupted after The New York Times reported that Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) advisory group, would receive a classified briefing during his visit to the Pentagon. Both Trump and Hegseth refuted these allegations, stating that Musk’s meeting focused on "efficiencies" and "innovations" rather than military plans. Musk labeled the report as "propaganda" and called for legal action against those responsible for the leaks.
President Trump also hinted at concerns over Musk’s business ties to China, stating, "Elon has businesses in China, and he would be susceptible, perhaps, to that." Critics have raised questions about Musk’s expanding influence in Washington and his companies’ reliance on federal defense contracts.
This investigation is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to address leaks. Earlier this month, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced increased polygraph testing for her department’s employees to curb unauthorized disclosures.
While polygraph results are generally inadmissible in court, they are frequently used in federal investigations and for security clearances. The Pentagon’s inquiry is expected to culminate in a report to the Secretary of Defense, potentially leading to criminal charges against those found responsible for leaking sensitive information.
