Clever FBI Move Involving Polygraphs Triggers ‘Unease’ Amongst Agents, Left-Wing Outlets as Years-Old Kash Idea Finally Gains Teeth: Report
FBI Director Kash Patel has begun implementing sweeping changes at the bureau, fulfilling campaign promises to eliminate what he described as a compromised law enforcement agency.
He is even using polygraph tests to find leakers now, which has left agents “uneased” and many liberal-leaning outlets like the New Times Times on edge.
Patel has orchestrated significant personnel changes and operational reforms aimed at restoring public trust in the federal law enforcement agency since taking office.
He declared that “The F.B.I. has become so thoroughly compromised that it will remain a threat to the people unless drastic measures are taken” in his book “Government Gangsters,” arguing that the top ranks of the bureau should be eliminated to restore integrity to the organization.
The scope of changes has created what sources have described to the Times as unprecedented upheaval within the agency’s ranks.
Agents throughout the organization have expressed uncertainty about their job security as the new leadership team continues its systematic review of personnel and operations.
Multiple agents have departed their roles, while others have faced demotions or been placed on administrative leave as part of the organizational changes.
Several senior officials have been removed from their positions across multiple field offices.
A succession of top agents received ultimatums to either accept different assignments or retire from the bureau, per reports.
Patel has implemented mandatory polygraph testing for employees as part of efforts to identify and stop unauthorized information leaks to news media.
The program has expanded beyond traditional uses to encompass discussions about internal personnel decisions and administrative matters, creating what former agents describe as an atmosphere of heightened surveillance within the organization.
Senior executives have been informed that stopping unauthorized disclosures has risen to become a top priority, even when such leaks do not involve active criminal cases or classified national security information.
The polygraph testing has occurred at what former officials characterize as a “rapid rate” among senior personnel.
“The director and I will have most of our incoming reform teams in place by next week,” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino wrote on social media recently.
“The hiring process can take a little bit of time, but we are approaching that finish line. This will help us both in doubling down on our reform agenda.”
Jim Stern, a former FBI agent who conducted hundreds of polygraphs during his career, explained that he used the tool in criminal and counterintelligence investigations and for applicant screening and security issues.
Stern noted that if someone violated policy, the FBI could polygraph them.
The leadership team has announced plans to revisit several high-profile investigations that previously attracted public attention.
These include the 2022 leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion on abortion, cocaine discovered at the White House two years ago and pipe bombs found near the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Bongino characterized these reviews as examinations of “potential public corruption” cases that have generated significant public interest. However, two of the three cases mentioned were not originally FBI investigations, as the Secret Service handled the cocaine investigation and the Supreme Court marshal investigated the opinion leak.
The deputy director’s description of the pipe bomb incident as “potential public corruption” rather than domestic terrorism has raised questions about how the bureau will classify such investigations moving forward.
The Times further noted that in his previous role as a podcast host, Bongino had claimed without evidence that the pipe bombs were “an inside job” and that “the F.B.I. knows who this person is.”
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