FBI Polygraph Crackdown Fuels Toxic Agency Climate

The FBI, under the Trump administration, has intensified efforts to identify internal media leakers by administering polygraph tests to agents suspected of leaking sensitive information, a move confirmed by FBI officials. This initiative is part of a broader crackdown that grants the Justice Department greater authority to subpoena journalists and prosecute leaks of both classified and 'privileged and sensitive' information. Polygraph tests, which measure physiological stress rather than actual deception, have raised concerns among civil liberties advocates and former officials, who warn that their use is fostering a climate of fear, lowering morale, and potentially endangering national security. Critics allege that the administration is targeting not only classified leaks but also dissent and negative information, risking the silencing of whistleblowers and suppression of internal criticism. High-ranking officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, have publicly supported aggressive measures against leakers. Current and former national security employees describe the resulting workplace atmosphere as 'toxic,' marked by widespread paranoia and intimidation.