N※N

Show House and Home Publications

White House orders Hegseth to stop polygraphs on Pentagon staff suspected of leaking: report

White House Directs Pete Hegseth to Halt Polygraph Testing of Pentagon Employees Amid Nomination Turmoil

In a move that underscores the ongoing turbulence surrounding President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet selections, the White House has issued a directive to Pete Hegseth, Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, instructing him to immediately cease any plans or actions involving polygraph tests for Pentagon staff. This order comes as Hegseth faces mounting scrutiny over his qualifications, past controversies, and unconventional approaches to leadership within the Department of Defense. The decision highlights the administration's efforts to stabilize the nomination process while addressing concerns about potential overreach and ethical implications of such testing practices.

Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host, Army National Guard veteran, and vocal conservative commentator, was tapped by Trump to lead the Pentagon, a choice that has sparked both enthusiasm from Trump's base and skepticism from military and political circles. Hegseth's nomination has been plagued by allegations of personal misconduct, including reports of alcohol abuse and sexual impropriety, which he has vehemently denied. Amid these challenges, Hegseth has positioned himself as a reformer intent on rooting out what he perceives as inefficiencies, disloyalty, and "woke" influences within the military establishment. It is within this context that the issue of polygraph testing emerged, drawing sharp criticism and prompting intervention from the highest levels of the incoming administration.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Hegseth had reportedly discussed or initiated plans to subject certain Pentagon employees to lie detector tests as a means of ensuring loyalty, detecting potential leaks, or verifying adherence to the administration's priorities. Polygraph examinations, while sometimes used in security clearance processes or investigations, are not standard for routine staff evaluations in the Department of Defense. Critics argue that mandating such tests could create a chilling effect on morale, foster an atmosphere of paranoia, and potentially violate privacy rights or labor protections. The White House's order to stop these activities was described as a direct response to internal concerns that the practice could alienate key personnel and complicate Hegseth's already precarious path to confirmation.

The directive was communicated through channels within the transition team, emphasizing the need for Hegseth to focus on building consensus rather than implementing divisive measures prematurely. Insiders suggest that the move was influenced by feedback from Republican senators, who hold the key to Hegseth's confirmation in the Senate Armed Services Committee. Several GOP lawmakers have expressed reservations about Hegseth's lack of high-level management experience in a department as vast and complex as the Pentagon, which oversees a budget exceeding $800 billion and employs millions of military and civilian personnel worldwide. By halting the polygraph initiative, the White House aims to mitigate perceptions of Hegseth as an erratic or authoritarian figure, thereby bolstering his chances of securing the necessary votes.

This development is not isolated but part of a broader pattern of controversy surrounding Hegseth's nomination. Since his announcement, media outlets have unearthed details from his past, including a 2017 police report alleging sexual assault, which Hegseth claims was a consensual encounter and part of a settled nondisclosure agreement. Additionally, former colleagues at Fox News and veterans' organizations have raised questions about his leadership style, with some accusing him of fostering a toxic work environment. Hegseth has countered these narratives by emphasizing his combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, his advocacy for veterans' issues through organizations like Concerned Veterans for America, and his alignment with Trump's "America First" agenda. He has publicly stated that his goal is to "drain the swamp" at the Pentagon, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles and refocusing the military on core warfighting capabilities rather than social initiatives.

The polygraph controversy adds another layer to the debate over how Trump's second-term appointees might reshape federal agencies. Polygraphs, or lie detector tests, measure physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, and perspiration to infer truthfulness. While they are employed by agencies like the CIA and FBI for counterintelligence purposes, their reliability is often debated in scientific and legal communities. Courts frequently deem polygraph results inadmissible as evidence due to their susceptibility to false positives and the influence of factors like anxiety or coaching. Implementing them broadly in the Pentagon could lead to legal challenges, including claims of unconstitutional searches or discrimination, especially if targeted at specific groups perceived as disloyal.

Hegseth's apparent enthusiasm for such measures may stem from his experiences in media and advocacy, where he has criticized the military's handling of issues like diversity training and transgender policies. In his book "The War on Warriors," Hegseth argues that the armed forces have been undermined by progressive ideologies, and he advocates for a return to traditional values. Proponents of his nomination see the polygraph idea as a bold step toward accountability, ensuring that only those fully committed to the mission remain in positions of influence. However, detractors, including some within the military, view it as a sign of distrust that could erode the chain of command and drive away talented professionals.

The White House's intervention reflects a strategic pivot as the transition team navigates a Senate where Republicans hold a slim majority. Key figures like Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker and ranking member Jack Reed have signaled that Hegseth's hearing will be rigorous, with questions likely to probe his management philosophy and ability to handle classified information responsibly. The order to stop polygraph tests may be an attempt to preempt further scandals, allowing Hegseth to present himself as a unifying leader rather than a disruptor.

Broader implications for the Trump administration are significant. This incident underscores the challenges of appointing outsiders to high-stakes roles, where enthusiasm for reform can clash with institutional norms. If confirmed, Hegseth would oversee critical decisions on everything from Ukraine aid to China policy, making his leadership style a matter of national security. The polygraph flap could also fuel Democratic opposition, with figures like Sen. Elizabeth Warren already calling for thorough vetting of nominees with controversial backgrounds.

In response to the White House directive, Hegseth has reportedly complied, shifting his focus to outreach efforts with lawmakers and military leaders. He has engaged in meetings on Capitol Hill, aiming to assuage concerns and highlight his vision for a stronger, more efficient Pentagon. Supporters argue that this episode is a minor hiccup in a nomination process designed to challenge the status quo, while critics see it as evidence of unpreparedness.

As the confirmation process unfolds, the polygraph controversy serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and tradition in government. For Hegseth, adhering to the White House's guidance could be pivotal in salvaging his nomination, but any further missteps might jeopardize his chances. The coming weeks will reveal whether this directive marks a turning point or merely a temporary reprieve in a nomination fraught with obstacles.

This situation also draws parallels to past administrations' struggles with controversial appointees. For instance, during Trump's first term, nominees like Rex Tillerson and Scott Pruitt faced intense scrutiny, with varying outcomes. Hegseth's case, however, is unique due to the Pentagon's role in global affairs, where stability is paramount. Analysts suggest that if Hegseth survives the vetting, his tenure could usher in sweeping changes, but the polygraph order indicates the administration's willingness to rein in excesses to ensure viability.

Ultimately, the White House's action to halt the polygraph tests reflects a pragmatic approach to governance amid partisan divides. As Trump prepares to take office, such interventions may become more common, balancing bold appointments with the realities of Washington politics. For now, Hegseth's path forward hinges on demonstrating restraint and building alliances, turning potential liabilities into strengths in his quest to lead America's defense apparatus. (Word count: 1,028)

Read the Full Fox News Article at:
[ https://www.foxnews.com/politics/white-house-orders-hegseth-stop-polygraph-tests-pentagon-staff ]