FBI Director Kash Patel ordered lie detector tests for more than two dozen staff members this week following media reports about his conduct, according to sources familiar with the situation. The polygraph examinations targeted current and former security detail members as well as information technology personnel with access to sensitive information.

Emergency Polygraph Operation

MS NOW reported Thursday that Patel directed the polygraph examinations in what sources described as panic mode behavior. The tests focused on determining which staffers had access to sensitive details about his decisions and whether they communicated with reporters. Former and current security detail members, along with several information technology staff, underwent the examinations this week as Patel sought to identify potential sources of leaked information.

The directive came after multiple media outlets published stories raising questions about Patel’s leadership at the bureau. Earlier this week, Patel opened a criminal leak investigation into The Atlantic following their reporting. Three sources familiar with the situation told MS NOW that the director limited his interactions with key operational leaders of the bureau during this period, though FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson disputed this characterization.

Leadership Questions Emerge

Sources inside the FBI expressed concerns about Patel’s ability to stay informed about pressing threats and investigations, according to MS NOW reporting. Two sources confirmed that Patel ordered the polygraph testing this week. The director reportedly avoided meetings with key operational leaders of the bureau as scrutiny intensified around his leadership approach and decision-making processes during his tenure leading the federal law enforcement agency.

Official Response

FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson denied claims that Patel isolated himself from senior leadership. Williamson stated he attended the usual operational leader meetings with Patel every day this week, calling media reports false. The spokesperson described journalists as panicking rather than Patel, referring to them as panicans pushing out false stories. However, Williamson declined to confirm or deny whether Patel actually ordered the polygraph examinations of staff members. The FBI has not provided additional comment on the scope or results of any internal investigation.