The Justice Department has launched an investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of classified information related to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal group. Officials acknowledged that while the leaked details were inaccurate, they still fell under classified material, raising concerns about potential intelligence breaches. The current administration has made it a priority to deport gang members.
At the same time, the Department of Defense is tightening security measures to prevent further leaks of national security information. As part of this initiative, personnel may be required to take polygraph tests to ensure compliance.
The Associated Press reports on a memo issued Friday by Joe Kasper, Chief of Staff to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, directed the Director for Defense Intelligence (Counterintelligence, Law Enforcement, and Security) to conduct a comprehensive review of unauthorized disclosures within the department. While the memo did not specify the details of the leaks, it stated the urgency:
“This investigation will commence immediately and lead to a report for the Secretary of Defense,” Kasper wrote. “The report will outline instances of unauthorized disclosures and propose measures to reinforce security.”
The memo also clarified that polygraph examinations would be conducted in line with existing legal and policy frameworks. Furthermore, Kasper emphasized that any individual found responsible for leaking information must be promptly reported and referred to law enforcement for possible legal action.
The Pentagon’s renewed efforts to curb leaks align with the Justice Department’s separate inquiry into the release of classified intelligence concerning Tren de Aragua. The organization, designated as a transnational criminal and narcoterrorism group, was officially labeled a foreign terrorist entity by the Trump administration in January.
Deputy Attorney General Tod Blanche condemned politically motivated leaks, affirming that the administration would not tolerate attempts to undermine President Trump’s policies. “We will not permit individuals within the government to sabotage this administration by leaking false information to media outlets,” Blanche declared.
The Department of Defense’s intelligence and law enforcement units are leading the effort to investigate and address these security breaches. Any personnel identified as responsible for leaking classified material could face legal consequences.
Additionally, a separate memo released late Friday referenced recent leaks, though it did not specify their content. Earlier in the day, President Trump dismissed reports that adviser Elon Musk would receive classified briefings on potential military strategies involving China.
“If an investigation confirms an individual’s involvement in unauthorized disclosures, that information will be submitted to the appropriate authorities for potential prosecution,” the memo stated.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also announced an expanded use of polygraph tests for department employees to prevent unauthorized disclosures of operational details to the media.
