The FBI is using lie detectors to test employee loyalty to Trump’s appointees
How the FBI is hunting agents behind media leaks
- The FBI has reportedly increased its use of polygraph lie-detector tests on staff, with Director Kash Patel allegedly seeking agents who have criticised his leadership or leaked information.
- Sources told The New York Times that dozens of FBI personnel have been questioned, including a senior employee asked about negative comments regarding Patel and another about leaks concerning Patel's request for a service weapon.
- The use of polygraph tests for internal criticism or leaks marks a departure from previous FBI practice, where they were typically reserved for serious offences or betraying the country.
- Michael Feinberg, a former top FBI agent, claimed he was threatened with a polygraph over his friendship with Peter Strzok, who was involved in the FBI's probe into Trump-Russia allegations.
- The FBI declined to comment on the Times report.