The Federal Bureau of Investigation has sharply increased its use of polygraph examinations since Kash Patel became director, according to a New York Times investigation published on 10 July. The newspaper reports that senior officials have been asked during lie-detector sessions whether they have said anything negative about Patel, an approach former agents say is unprecedented for the bureau. Sources told the Times that dozens of employees have been required to undergo the tests as part of a broader crackdown on news leaks. In at least one case, the bureau sought to identify who disclosed Patel’s request for a service weapon—an unusual demand because the director is not a field agent. Staff have also been questioned about Deputy Director Dan Bongino. Critics argue the practice risks politicising the agency and undermining morale. “An FBI employee’s loyalty is to the Constitution, not to the director or deputy director,” said James Davidson, a former agent who served 23 years at the bureau. The FBI declined to comment to the Times, citing personnel matters.