White House Reconsiders Polygraph Tests to Prevent Leaks

The White House has reportedly decided to abandon plans for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to undergo a polygraph test in an effort to stop leaks within the administration.

According to the Washington Post, Hegseth’s advisor, Patrick Weaver, cautioned senior officials that immediate submission to lie detector tests might be necessary. This prompted Hegseth to reconsider the use of such tests.

Pentagon Acts to Limit DC Think Tanks Amid Security Concerns

During Donald Trump’s first term, Weaver, who had roles in the White House National Security Council and the Department of Homeland Security, criticized potential leak detection measures. His comments were part of a broader conversation about the Department of Defense’s investigation into leaks, initiated in late March through a memo from Chief of Staff Joe Kasper.

Kasper emphasized in his March 21 memo that recent unauthorized disclosures of national security information, particularly sensitive communications from within the Secretary of Defense’s office, warranted a comprehensive investigation. He stated that “the use of polygraphs in implementing this study is in compliance with applicable laws and policies.”

As of now, neither the White House nor the Pentagon has responded to requests for comment on this development.

Recently, the Pentagon has faced scrutiny, having previously dealt with the “signal gate” scandal earlier this year. Discussions concerning military actions—despite taking place on an encrypted platform—were leaked, raising major concerns. Michael Waltz, who was the national security advisor at the time, took “full responsibility” for not including key personnel in discussions on Signal Chat.

Following an accidental leak regarding anticipated U.S. military strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, Trump has continued to back Hegseth publicly, despite the turmoil.