A major shake-up is unfolding inside the Pentagon as Dan Caldwell, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s top advisor, has been walked out of the building amid a widening national security leak investigation.
According to U.S. officials, Caldwell was placed on administrative leave for what’s being described as an “unauthorized disclosure” of sensitive or classified information. The exact nature of the leak—and who received the information—remains unclear.
🔒 Caldwell’s Removal Signals Growing Internal Security Crisis
Caldwell’s departure comes just weeks after Hegseth’s chief of staff, Joe Kasper, ordered a full-scale review of classified information leaks within the Department of Defense.
“Recent unauthorized disclosures involving high-level communications demand a swift and thorough response,” Kasper stated in a March 21 memo.
The memo also revealed that polygraph testing could be used where legally appropriate, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
🇺🇸 Who Is Dan Caldwell?
Dan Caldwell is a Marine Corps veteran who served during the Iraq War. In recent years, he has been known for his criticism of prolonged military interventions, especially those launched before Trump’s presidency.
Despite his patriotism and service record, his removal raises red flags about potential insider threats and growing unrest within Pentagon leadership.
Key facts about Dan Caldwell:
- Senior adviser in the Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Known liaison between the Pentagon and White House on counterterrorism strategy
- Mentioned in Signal chats related to March 15 strikes on Houthi militants in Yemen
🕵️♂️ Ongoing Probe May Lead to Criminal Charges
The investigation, which is still ongoing, may result in criminal referrals if evidence identifies the source of the leak. Officials say a full report will be submitted to Secretary Hegseth, including recommendations to prevent future breaches.
“Any credible information should be forwarded for criminal prosecution,” Kasper emphasized.
Though it’s unknown whether Caldwell was subjected to a polygraph test, sources indicate he may have been tied to leaked discussions about U.S. military operations in the Middle East.
This isn’t the first high-profile departure under Hegseth. Other recent exits include:
- The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
- The Navy’s top admiral
- Head of U.S. Cyber Command
- Top military legal advisers
📊 Insight: These shakeups reflect President Trump’s broader effort to drain the swamp within defense leadership and restore accountability in our military institutions.
💬 What This Means for America’s Defense Future
For everyday Americans—especially those who’ve served—this story hits close to home. With rising global threats, we cannot afford insider leaks or weak leadership.
President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are taking bold steps to clean up the Pentagon, but as this latest case shows, the fight for accountability is far from over.
🗣️ Do You Support Trump’s Defense Overhaul?