U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is flanked by members of his team including senior adviser Dan Caldwell (back, R), as he meets with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman (not pictured) at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 24, 2025. U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza/Department of Defense/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
| Published April 17, 2025
Washington, D.C. — The Pentagon is facing a significant internal security crisis as three senior officials have been placed on administrative leave amid an expanding investigation into unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information.
The officials suspended are:
-
Dan Caldwell, senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
-
Darin Selnick, Deputy Chief of Staff.
-
Colin Carroll, Chief of Staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg.
All three were escorted from the Pentagon this week as part of the probe into leaks that reportedly involve military operational plans concerning the Panama Canal, deployments to the Red Sea, and other sensitive topics.
The investigation was initiated following a March 21 memo from Hegseth’s Chief of Staff, Joe Kasper, emphasizing a crackdown on unauthorized disclosures, including the potential use of polygraph tests and criminal prosecution.
Caldwell, known for his critical views on U.S. foreign policy and past opposition to military interventions, held significant influence within the Department of Defense. Selnick, an Air Force veteran and former senior adviser to Concerned Veterans for America, and Carroll, a Marine Corps Reserve officer with prior experience at defense contractor Anduril, were also key figures in the Pentagon’s operations.
The suspensions underscore the Trump administration’s commitment to addressing internal leaks and maintaining the integrity of national security operations. The Department of Defense has not disclosed specific details about the nature of the alleged disclosures but has indicated that the investigation is ongoing.
This development follows previous actions by Defense Secretary Hegseth, including the revocation of security clearances for retired Gen. Mark Milley and the launch of an inspector general investigation into his conduct.
As the investigation continues, the Pentagon has reiterated its commitment to upholding the highest standards of security and accountability within its ranks.
Conclusion:
The suspension of top Pentagon officials amid a deepening leak investigation highlights a necessary and overdue reckoning within the Department of Defense. For years, conservatives have voiced concerns about unchecked bureaucracy, political activism within the military, and the erosion of loyalty to national security priorities. Now, the Trump administration is taking decisive action to restore order, discipline, and trust.
This crackdown signals that leaks and internal sabotage will no longer be tolerated, especially when they compromise operational secrecy and global strategy. It’s also a clear message: the Pentagon must serve the commander-in-chief and the Constitution, not political agendas or media leaks.
Ultimately, this moment marks a return to accountability in the defense establishment — something conservatives have long demanded.
SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – ANOTHER Top Pentagon Official Escorted Out of Building and Suspended as Internal Leak Investigation Expands
TOWNHALL – This Is Why a Top Hegseth Adviser Was Escorted From the Pentagon
REUTERS – Top Hegseth adviser Dan Caldwell put on leave in Pentagon leak probe
AXIOS – 2 top Pentagon officials put on leave amid leak investigation
POLITICO – Two top Pentagon officials placed on leave in leak probe
Be the first to comment