DHS responds after reports CISA chief allegedly failed polygraph for classified intel access

Recent reports have emerged regarding acting Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Madhu Gottumukkala, claiming he failed a polygraph test linked to access to sensitive intelligence. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) strongly contests this narrative and states that an internal investigation is underway regarding the matter.

1. Claims About Polygraph Failure:

• A report by Politico suggested that Madhu Gottumukkala was seeking access to a restricted intelligence program requiring a counter-intelligence polygraph test and allegedly failed it.

• DHS asserts that the polygraph in question was unsanctioned and that Gottumukkala did not fail a formal polygraph test.

2. Investigation and Employee Suspensions:

• Following these events, at least six career staffers at CISA were placed on paid administrative leave for potentially misleading agency leadership about the polygraph requirement.

• DHS officials claim these suspensions were in accordance with department policy and necessary for the ongoing investigation.

3. Context of Access Requests:

• Gottumukkala allegedly pursued access to highly classified intelligence despite staff advising that it was unnecessary for his role.

• His request for access was reportedly denied initially and then approved after changes in leadership.

4. Polygraph Test and Its Implications:

• Polygraph results are generally not admissible in court and can be affected by various factors such as anxiety.

• Officials noted that polygraph outcomes can lead to uncertainties and cannot definitively indicate truthfulness.

5. DHS's Support for Gottumukkala:

• DHS's Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized their full support for Gottumukkala, aiming to uphold standards and investigate the incident comprehensively.

The situation regarding Madhu Gottumukkala's access to sensitive intelligence and the polygraph incident has raised significant scrutiny. DHS maintains its assertion that Gottumukkala's actions did not constitute a failure, and further internal investigations are expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding this situation. 

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