Joe Casper, the chief of staff for Defense Secretary Pete Hegses, sent a memo Friday, saying that Department of Defense (DOD) members could be exposed to polygraph testing in a new investigation into alleged leaks at the Pentagon.
Kasper mentioned “recent unauthorized disclosures” of confidential information, but failed to specify details regarding the suspected leak.
The memo comes just hours after Tech billionaire and Trump's close adviser Elon Musk said people who were “discovered” and charged with “malicious and false information” to news outlets.
Musk, whose company has signed with DOD, issued a warning Friday morning after the New York Times reported that he was. Set to briefing On the US military's secret plans if a war occurs with China.
A memo from Hegseth's Chief of Staff said that “it calls for immediate and thorough investigation into recent fraudulent disclosures of national security information, including sensitive communication with principals within the Secretary of Defense Office (OSD).”
“I request the prompt assistance of the Director of Defense Intelligence (anti-intellectuality, law enforcement, and security) to support the OSD in coordination with appropriate Department of Defense (DOD) stakeholders, including those responsible for maintaining and overseeing appropriate security systems and coordinating with necessary federal partners,” he added.
The memo said that the use of polygraphs will be carried out “in accordance with applicable laws and policies.”
Earlier on Friday, Trump rejected reports that Musk will be given an explanation of the US strategy to engage in a potential conflict with China.
