FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly ordered lie detector tests for more than two dozen current and former staff members as part of an aggressive effort to identify sources leaking sensitive information from the Trump administration.
According to a report published Thursday by MS NOW, the polygraph examinations targeted members of Patel’s security detail as well as information technology personnel who may have had access to confidential White House communications and internal decisions.
Sources cited in the report claimed Patel is under growing pressure over his leadership inside the FBI, with concerns reportedly escalating after repeated leaks involving administration activities. The report also alleged that senior figures within President Donald Trump’s circle have privately questioned Patel’s performance in recent months.
MS NOW previously reported in late 2025 that Trump advisers had discussed the possibility of removing Patel from his post amid internal dissatisfaction.
The latest revelations have intensified scrutiny of Patel’s management style, particularly after claims that he avoided meetings with senior FBI operational officials during the week. However, FBI spokesman Ben Williamson rejected those allegations, stating that Patel continued attending regular leadership briefings.
“The only people in panic are those spreading false stories in the media,” Williamson said, dismissing reports suggesting instability within the bureau. He also highlighted what he described as record reductions in crime under the FBI’s current leadership.
The report further stated that Patel ordered the polygraphs to determine whether members of his travel team or employees with knowledge of internal deliberations had spoken to journalists.
The controversy follows another recent report by MS NOW alleging that Patel directed the FBI to launch a criminal leak investigation into a story published by The Atlantic. That article claimed Patel struggled with heavy drinking and routinely missed morning work obligations.
According to sources familiar with the matter, several FBI agents expressed concern about investigating journalists involved in constitutionally protected reporting activities, arguing that such a probe could raise serious First Amendment issues.
MS NOW also reported that this was not the first large-scale use of polygraph tests under Patel’s leadership. Earlier this year, dozens of FBI agents were reportedly subjected to similar examinations following media reports that Patel sought access to a firearm.
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