Archive · 5 Sep 2026
US Military Officials Face Polygraphs Over Weapons Leak
US officials are investigating who leaked secret information about military weapons supplies.
Reports say about 50 people on the Joint Staff were ordered to take lie-detector tests.
These tests are unusual when used on such a large group during a leak investigation.
Investigators are checking whether someone with access to the information may have helped a foreign intelligence service.
President Donald Trump was reportedly angry about the leaks.
The investigation began after reports that the military was rationing some weapons, especially missile interceptors.
Some officials said the United States had enough ammunition overall.
Trump said there was plenty of ammunition but that the country wanted more of some advanced weapons.
General Dan Caine was reportedly not tested.
Around 50 Joint Staff members were reportedly ordered to take polygraph tests in a classified-information leak investigation.
The inquiry concerns sensitive details about US weapons and ammunition stockpiles, which were accessible to a limited number of people.
Investigators are examining whether someone with access may have been working for a foreign intelligence service.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine was reportedly not among those tested.
The investigation follows reports that some munitions, especially missile interceptors, were being rationed after months of fighting with Iran.
- Who
- US military officials, including around 50 Joint Staff members, are involved; President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have responded.
- What
- Officials are investigating a classified-information leak about US weapons stockpiles and have reportedly administered polygraph tests.
- When
- The testing was reported on Friday, following reports in July about munitions rationing; no year was specified.
- Where
- The investigation involves the Pentagon and the Joint Staff in the United States.
- Why
- Officials want to identify the source of the leak and determine whether someone with access was working for a foreign intelligence service.
Supply Concerns
Shortage Denials
State of US ammunition supplies
Supply Concerns
Reports said the United States had begun rationing some munitions, particularly missile interceptors, because of concerns about supplies after months of fighting with Iran.
Shortage Denials
Senior US officials rejected claims of a serious ammunition shortage. Donald Trump said the country had a lot of ammunition, while acknowledging that it wanted more of some sophisticated weapons.
- Reported number tested
- Around 50 Joint Staff members
- Information at issue
- Classified details about US weapons and ammunition stockpiles
- Test used
- Polygraph, or lie-detector, examinations
- Official reportedly not tested
- General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
- Weapons reportedly rationed
- Some munitions, particularly missile interceptors
- Investigation body
- A joint task force created by the Pentagon and the Justice Department
- Stated official position
- Senior officials rejected claims that the United States faced a serious ammunition shortage