DHS Denies Reports of Failed Polygraph Test by Acting Cybersecurity Director

The Department of Homeland Security finds itself embroiled in internal chaos as reports emerge of a failed polygraph examination and the suspension of multiple career officials at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. DHS disputes the characterization of events, but the facts paint a troubling picture of an agency in disarray.

Here is what we know. Acting CISA Director Madhu Gottumukkala reportedly sought access to a highly restricted intelligence program requiring a counter-intelligence polygraph examination. According to multiple sources within the cybersecurity community, including both current officials and Trump administration appointees familiar with the situation, Gottumukkala did not successfully complete this examination.

The situation escalated when at least six career staffers were placed on paid administrative leave. The allegation is straightforward: these officials allegedly misled leadership about the polygraph requirement. DHS vehemently denies this characterization, but the agency has not provided a coherent alternative explanation for the suspensions.

This raises several critical questions that demand answers. First, why would an acting director of a critical cybersecurity agency need access to intelligence programs beyond the already substantial clearance levels typically granted to such positions? Second, if career staffers were suspended for allegedly misleading leadership, what specifically did they communicate that warranted such action? Third, and most importantly, who is running CISA while this internal investigation unfolds?

The timing could not be worse. America faces unprecedented cybersecurity threats from adversarial nations including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Our critical infrastructure remains vulnerable to sophisticated attacks. The last thing our nation needs is leadership turmoil at the very agency tasked with protecting our digital infrastructure.

The reported involvement of multiple Trump administration appointees who corroborated these events lends credibility to the account. These are not partisan actors seeking to undermine the current administration but professionals who understand the gravity of the situation.

DHS owes the American people transparency. If the reports are inaccurate, the department should provide a full accounting of what actually occurred. If career officials were suspended, the public deserves to know the specific reasons why. If the acting director failed a polygraph examination, that is information relevant to national security.

Meanwhile, Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana correctly identified another leadership problem facing Americans. Speaking about Vice President Kamala Harris, Kennedy noted that voters remain uncertain whether she possesses the qualifications to serve as commander-in-chief. This assessment reflects legitimate concerns about executive leadership competence across the administration.

The American people expect competent management of critical national security functions. They expect leaders who can pass basic security requirements. They expect transparency when problems arise. The current situation at CISA fails on all counts.

Congress must exercise its oversight authority and demand answers. The House and Senate committees responsible for homeland security should immediately call hearings to investigate these allegations. National security cannot take a back seat to bureaucratic damage control.

Related: Tulsi Gabbard Identifies Radical Islamist Ideology as Greatest Threat to American Freedom