Homeland Security’s Firm Stance on Addressing Leaks Through Polygraph Testing

Homeland Security’s Firm Stance on Addressing Leaks Through Polygraph Testing

The Department of Homeland Security remains resolute in its use of lie-detector tests to identify individuals leaking sensitive information. This approach targets staff members who potentially compromise national security by sharing internal agency details with the public.

Tricia McLaughlin, the department’s assistant secretary for public affairs, expressed that under Secretary Kristi Noem’s leadership, Homeland Security is unapologetic about its efforts to eliminate leaks. McLaughlin stated, “We are agnostic about your standing, tenure, political appointment, or status as a career civil servant. We will track down leakers and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.” This declaration emphasizes the department’s commitment to safeguarding national security amidst increasing concerns over unauthorized disclosures.

Recent Lie Detector Test Administration

This announcement follows reports from Politico indicating that a lie detector test was administered in March to Cameron Hamilton, the Chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This action came in the wake of a meeting between DHS officials and advisor to former President Donald Trump, Corey Lewandowski. The reported goal of the meeting was to assess potential leaks of information concerning the Trump administration’s discussions about FEMA’s future.

According to sources, the test ultimately cleared Hamilton, signaling that he did not leak information from the meeting. The meeting’s discussions were centered around the Trump administration’s efforts to