The Pentagon said it would investigate what it claims are leaks of national security information. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)
"If this effort results in information identifying a party responsible for an unauthorized disclosure," then the information "will be referred to the appropriate criminal entity for criminal prosecution," he added.
Kasper's memo said the polygraphs would be used "in accordance with applicable law and policy."
President Donald Trump rejected a report from The New York Times that his senior adviser, Elon Musk, would be briefed on how the U.S. would handle a potential war with China. Musk responded by suggesting that people leaking "maliciously false information" to the media will be identified and prosecuted.
HEGSETH SAYS DEFENSE DEPT ELIMINATE HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS IN 'WASTEFUL' SPENDING AFTER DOGE FINDINGS
The Pentagon said polygraph tests would be used "in accordance with applicable law and policy." (REUTERS/Yves Herman)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Leaks from within the federal government happen in every administration across various agencies.
While polygraph exams are typically not admissible in court proceedings because of concerns about their unreliability, they are often used by federal law enforcement agencies and for national security clearances.
The Supreme Court also ruled in 1998 that polygraph tests were inadmissible in military justice proceedings.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pentagon-announces-investigation-leaks-which-could-include-polygraph-tests