Key Takeaway: DHS disputes reports that Acting CISA Director Madhu Gottumukkala failed a sanctioned polygraph while seeking access to a tightly controlled intelligence program. Politico reported the polygraph and said at least six career staff were placed on paid administrative leave for allegedly misleading leadership; DHS says the test was unsanctioned and that actions complied with policy. An internal investigation is ongoing, and the episode underscores friction over access to classified material during a leadership transition.
DHS Denies Acting CISA Director Failed Polygraph As Internal Probe Puts Six Staff On Leave
DHS responds after reports CISA chief allegedly failed polygraph for classified intel access
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has pushed back on media reports that Acting Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Madhu Gottumukkala failed a sanctioned polygraph while seeking access to a tightly controlled intelligence program. The dispute comes as an internal investigation continues and at least six career cybersecurity staff were placed on paid administrative leave.
DHS disputes reports that acting CISA Director Madhu Gottumukkala failed a polygraph as staff are suspended amid an internal investigation and intel access dispute.
What DHS Says
DHS officials say the polygraph in question was not an authorized test and that disciplinary actions taken against career employees followed department policy. In a statement to Fox News Digital, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said that 'Acting Director Madhu Gottumukkala did not fail a sanctioned polygraph test. An unsanctioned polygraph test was coordinated by staff, misleading incoming CISA leadership.' She added that the employees were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation and that Gottumukkala 'has the complete and full support of the Secretary.'
DHS disputes reports that acting CISA Director Madhu Gottumukkala failed a polygraph as staff are suspended amid an internal investigation and intel access dispute.
Allegations Reported By Politico
Politico reported that Gottumukkala sought access to a controlled-access intelligence program that, according to the originating agency, required CISA personnel to pass a counterintelligence polygraph to obtain need-to-know access. The outlet said at least six career employees were placed on paid administrative leave for allegedly providing misleading information about whether such a polygraph was required. Politico's story was based on interviews with 12 current and former cybersecurity officials who were granted anonymity.
A person administers a polygraph test.
Timeline
- Early June: An initial access request signed by mid-level CISA staff was denied by a senior official who judged there was no urgent need-to-know.
- Late June: The senior official was placed on administrative leave for unrelated reasons.
- Early July: A second access request, signed by Gottumukkala, was approved after the senior official was no longer in that role.
- Late July: Politico reported that Gottumukkala underwent a polygraph intended to determine eligibility to view the sensitive program; outlets cited sources saying the result was unfavorable.
- Aug. 1 and Aug. 4: At least six staff involved in scheduling or approving the test were notified of temporary suspensions of their access to classified information and were placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation.
Context And Notes
As a civilian agency, most CISA employees do not routinely require polygraphs; however, counterintelligence polygraphs are commonly used in the intelligence community and the Department of Defense to protect the most sensitive programs. Officials interviewed by Politico cautioned that an unfavorable polygraph result does not always indicate deception—factors such as anxiety or technical issues can affect results, and polygraph findings are usually not admissible in court.
DHS disputes reports that acting CISA Director Madhu Gottumukkala failed a polygraph as staff are suspended amid an internal investigation and intel access dispute.
Letter Excerpt
According to a letter reviewed by Politico, then-acting DHS Chief Security Officer Michael Boyajian told affected staff their access was being suspended because they 'may have participated in providing false information to the acting head of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) regarding the existence of a requirement for a polygraph examination prior to accessing certain programs.'
Gottumukkala, who was appointed CISA deputy director in May and later became acting director, previously served as commissioner and chief information officer for South Dakota’s Bureau of Information and Technology and has more than two decades of experience in information technology and cybersecurity. DHS emphasizes that the matter is under investigation and that any personnel actions followed internal policies.
Why It Matters
The episode highlights tensions at the intersection of classified-access procedures, leadership transitions, and internal controls at a critical U.S. cybersecurity agency. Officials and external observers will be watching the investigation's outcome to see how access rules, polygraph use, and accountability are applied within CISA and DHS.
