Senior Defense Official Suspended Over Leak Probe
Dan Caldwell, a senior advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was placed on administrative leave and escorted from the Pentagon amid an investigation into unauthorized disclosures of classified information. The Defense Department confirmed his suspension but declined further comment due to the ongoing probe.
Investigation Targets Internal Leaks
The Pentagon recently launched a crackdown on internal leaks, deploying polygraph tests to identify sources of unauthorized disclosures. A memo from Chief of Staff Joe Kasper stated any individuals found responsible could face criminal charges.
Caldwell Linked to Sensitive Operations
Caldwell, known for his non-interventionist foreign policy views, was named in a leaked Signal chat as a Pentagon point of contact regarding U.S. strikes on the Houthis. The chat surfaced after National Security Advisor Mike Waltz mistakenly included a journalist in the group.
No Link to Musk Briefing Leak
While President Trump and Elon Musk denied reports about Musk being briefed on war plans with China, there’s no current evidence linking Caldwell to that leak. Hegseth’s team has vowed to pursue those leaking national security information and seek prosecutions.
