Gabbard directs US intelligence leaders to consider how to end press leaks: Report

Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard has reportedly directed U.S. intelligence agencies to consider whether it is feasible to conduct random polygraph tests of employees and contractors and said the tests need to question whether the interviewees have leaked information to the press.

The order, which was issued in the past month, comes after multiple federal agencies and departments decided to use polygraph tests to identify leaks to the news media. 

The directive also comes after former FBI Director James Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury last month over allegations from the Justice Department that he made false statements to Congress when he denied leaking information to the media.

Two sources told CBS News on Tuesday that Gabbard's memo emphasized polygraph test questions related to leaks of information to the press and said the tests would become more frequent and routine. 

An official in Gabbard's office said the order does not create any new policies but emphasizes existing regulations and legal statutes.

"Since the start of President Trump's second term, we have seen numerous unauthorized disclosures of classified information, which have the potential to damage U.S. strategic alliances and credibility and endanger sources and methods vital to intelligence gathering," DNI spokesperson Olivia Coleman told CBS News. 

"The fact that deep state actors leaked information about DNI Gabbard's directive, aimed at preventing leaks and protecting classified information, to the media is both deeply ironic and a powerful reminder of why her efforts to identify and deter leakers is urgently necessary," she added.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.