Trump Administration Intensifies Crackdown on Leaks, DNI Gabbard Orders Intelligence Agencies to Review Polygraph Feasibility

Washington – Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has issued a directive ordering U.S. intelligence agencies to review the feasibility of implementing random polygraph examinations for employees and contractors. The move comes as the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to curb unauthorized disclosures of classified and sensitive information.

According to sources familiar with the memo, the directive emphasizes including questions related to leaks to the press in standard security clearance polygraph tests and suggests these tests could become more routine in counterintelligence investigations. While such questions have long been part of the process, the administration is pushing for increased scrutiny to deter intelligence community members from leaking information.

An official from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) clarified that Gabbard’s memo reinforces existing regulations rather than establishing new policies. The directive specifically asks agencies to assess the practicality of random polygraphs in conjunction with counterintelligence probes, based on internal findings suggesting a lack of polygraph examinations has emboldened former intelligence community members to engage in espionage.

This aggressive stance echoes measures taken by previous administrations, including Obama and Bush, following significant leaks of classified information. DNI spokesperson Olivia Coleman stated that numerous unauthorized disclosures since the start of President Trump’s second term have the potential to damage U.S. alliances and endanger vital intelligence sources.

The directive has already sparked criticism regarding press freedoms and the relationship between journalists and government sources. Critics argue such policies can create a chilling effect, with national security attorney Bradley Moss calling it an “obnoxious flexing of bureaucratic muscle.” Meanwhile, reports indicate the Pentagon is also considering widespread random polygraph testing and new nondisclosure agreements for certain personnel, though a chief Pentagon spokesman has dismissed these reports as “untrue and irresponsible.”

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.