Pentagon Launches Review of Policies for Handling Classified Information Following Massive Leak

 The Department of Defense is taking measures to restrict access to classified information in response to a massive leak of hundreds of classified documents over several months. While a suspect has been arrested, the department is reviewing its policies and regulations concerning classified information to prevent future leaks. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said that the effort to review distribution lists and access to information will be ongoing and may take a while.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has directed Ronald Moultrie, undersecretary of defense for intelligence and security, to lead the review process and make recommendations to improve current policies. The National Security Council is also conducting a thorough review of security programs, policies, and procedures at the president's direction. The leak has caused concern as it allowed the world to see U.S. intelligence sources, methods, and conclusions, damaging the administration and Pentagon's relationships with allies.

The documents that were leaked were mostly related to the U.S. investment in the war in Ukraine, with some containing U.S. intelligence about Russian President Vladimir Putin's circle and bleak assessments of the Ukraine spring offensive, despite officials expressing optimism in recent weeks. While actions have been taken, including the arrest of Airman 1st Class Jack Teixeira, who has been charged with unauthorized retention and transmission of national defense information and unauthorized removal and retention of classified documents, there is still a possibility that more classified documents could be leaked.