Three Hegseth Aides Dismissed in Leak Probe Slam ‘Unfounded Allegations’

In a significant development less than 100 days into the Trump administration, the Pentagon is facing an internal crisis as three senior advisers to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were removed amid a probe into information leaks.

Those ousted include Dan Caldwell, who served as an aide to Hegseth; Colin Carroll, chief of staff for Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg; and Darin Selnick, Hegseth’s deputy chief of staff. The investigation has prompted a growing concern regarding the process and motivations behind these dismissals.

The three advisers publically criticized the move, describing it as a reaction to “baseless attacks.” In a joint statement shared via social media platform X, they expressed disappointment over how their tenure at the Department of Defense concluded. “Unnamed Pentagon officials have slandered our character with baseless attacks on our way out the door,” they claimed.

The group articulated frustration about the lack of communication, stating they had not been informed of the specifics of the investigation. They are questioning whether any legitimate inquiry regarding leaks ever occurred.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon also saw the resignation of former spokesman John Ullyot this week, although the department indicated that his departure was requested, not voluntary.

This turmoil aligns with a series of controversial actions by the Pentagon under the Trump administration. From dismissals of high-ranking military officials to efforts to eliminate content promoting diversity and inclusion, the shift has sparked public outcry. Notably, historical references, such as those to the Tuskegee Airmen and Jackie Robinson, were temporarily removed from military websites.

Additionally, Hegseth revealed last month that the Pentagon’s intelligence and law enforcement divisions were investigating alleged leaks of national security information, particularly following reports of Elon Musk receiving a classified briefing related to potential war plans with China.

The Pentagon’s chief of staff, Joe Kasper, indicated that personnel might undergo polygraph testing as part of this investigation, signaling the seriousness with which the department is handling the situation.

The recent staff upheaval has coincided with the firings of several senior military officials, including Gen. CQ Brown, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti, raising questions about the administration’s direction and priorities.