Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's inner circle faces a significant shakeup at the Department of Defense headquarters.
According to Breitbart, two senior Pentagon officials were escorted from the building and placed on administrative leave Tuesday following an internal investigation that identified them as sources of unauthorized information disclosure.
The implicated officials, Dan Caldwell and Darin Selnick, held prominent positions within Defense Secretary Hegseth's administration. Caldwell served as a top adviser while Selnick occupied the role of Pentagon deputy chief of staff. Both individuals shared professional history with Hegseth through their previous work at Concerned Veterans for America.
The investigation, initiated by Pentagon Chief of Staff Joe Kasper, came in response to multiple security breaches that occurred over several weeks. One notable incident involved leaked information regarding Tesla CEO Elon Musk's planned Pentagon visit, which was inaccurately reported by various media outlets.
Defense officials indicate that Caldwell allegedly shared sensitive information with left-leaning journalists in what appears to be an attempt to undermine Secretary Hegseth's leadership. The exact nature and extent of the unauthorized disclosures remain unclear, but they reportedly included classified information accessible only to high-ranking Pentagon officials.
The security breach investigation gained urgency as it coincided with increased military preparations in the Middle East. The Pentagon has recently deployed additional military assets, including a second aircraft carrier and multiple B-2 stealth bombers, in response to escalating tensions with Iran.
Both dismissed officials maintained strong ties to organizations focused on veterans' affairs and defense policy. Caldwell's most recent position was with Defense Priorities, an organization known for its advocacy of military restraint in foreign policy matters.
The professional relationship between Hegseth and Caldwell extended beyond their shared history at Concerned Veterans for America. Caldwell held such a trusted position that Hegseth designated him as the point of contact for coordinating military strikes against Houthi forces in communications with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
Selnick's connection to the administration stemmed from his role as a senior adviser at Concerned Veterans for America, though his tenure there began after Hegseth's departure from the organization.
Recent weeks have seen significant developments in U.S. military positioning, particularly concerning Iran. President Trump has intensified his rhetoric regarding Iran's nuclear program, leading to strategic military deployments in the region.
The Pentagon's response includes positioning at least six B-2 stealth bombers at Diego Garcia, a strategic location in the Indian Ocean. This military buildup represents a substantial show of force in the region. These developments occurred against the backdrop of the ongoing investigation into unauthorized information disclosure, potentially compromising sensitive military operations and strategic planning.
The removal of two top Pentagon officials marks a critical moment in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's administration. Dan Caldwell and Darin Selnick, both with extensive backgrounds in veterans' affairs and defense policy, were escorted from the Pentagon following allegations of unauthorized information disclosure.
The security breach investigation continues as the Pentagon grapples with the implications of leaked classified information while managing increased military deployments in the Middle East. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining operational security at the highest levels of military leadership, particularly during periods of heightened international tensions.
