The Pentagon is facing significant internal turmoil following a contentious leak investigation that has resulted in the dismissal of three senior aides to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to reports from several sources involved in the situation.
The investigation, centering around the mishandling of classified information, has raised serious concerns about Hegseth’s leadership capabilities as it coincides with his own questionable handling of classified documents, including the sharing of military strike plans against the Houthis in Yemen with his wife via a private messaging app.
An inquiry is underway regarding the unauthorized disclosure of a top-secret document that outlined flexible military options for reclaiming the Panama Canal, a move linked to a broader agenda associated with former President Donald Trump.
Dan Caldwell, one of the aides who has been fired, has been identified as the individual behind the leak according to briefings received at the Pentagon and the White House.
Caldwell, however, has vehemently denied these claims, arguing that the investigation has been weaponized against him, suggesting conflict arose due to his vocal support for military options which were unpopular with some colleagues.
The fallout from the investigation has forced Hegseth to drastically reduce his inner circle, leaving him with only three primary advisors: acting chief of staff Ricky Buria, lawyer Tim Parlatore, and spokesperson Sean Parnell.
In the aftermath of the firings, both Darin Selnick and Colin Carroll, the other two aides dismissed alongside Caldwell, are believed to have been let go as a part of a larger dynamics concerning internal disputes over leadership effectiveness in the Pentagon.
While Carroll was only interviewed by the Air Force’s investigation office after his dismissal, both he and Selnick have conveyed that they felt pressured to leave primarily due to their criticism of chief of staff Joe Kasper, who they perceived as ineffective, and the growing internal conflicts.
Reports indicate that tensions had escalated significantly amidst the leak investigation, with Hegseth ordering inquiries into multiple information leaks.
Kasper suggested enlisting the FBI for further investigations and proposed polygraph tests for aides, a move that Caldwell opposed due to concerns it would complicate internal operations.
Internal politics have left senior officials questioning the integrity and motives of their colleagues, resulting in a sharp division among Hegseth’s team.
Those aligned with Kasper viewed Caldwell, Selnick, and Carroll as a faction attempting to discredit and undermine their leadership, while Caldwell and his associates felt they were being unfairly targeted for advocating for more aggressive military options.
Kasper’s dissatisfaction with the three aides grew as they began receiving requests from White House staff, leading him to believe they were gaining influence at the expense of his authority.
Carroll’s efforts to highlight potential leaks from the inspector general’s office were characterized by Kasper as baseless and contributed to the already strained relationships within the team.
In a noteworthy exchange, Kasper reportedly mentioned he had heard Selnick claim that causing negative publicity was a way to push people out of the Pentagon, indicating the depth of distrust that had developed among staff.
The internal disputes escalated following the Panama Canal leak, leading Hegseth to order investigations into multiple incidents of unauthorized disclosures.
Amid this chaos, Caldwell’s opposition to bringing in the FBI likely raised suspicion about his own involvement in the leaks.
In the wake of their firings, tensions have continued to fester among the former aides, with Carroll considering legal action against Kasper for defamation.
Additionally, reports suggest that Caldwell has been reaching out to colleagues regarding Kasper’s past, reportedly inquiring about his character and previous work behaviors, such as alleged drug use.
Kasper expressed disbelief at the actions taken against him and questioned the absurdity of the allegations leveled at him, particularly after hearing that inquiries were made to his wife and former clients about his conduct.
This saga of infighting, allegations, and eventual firings not only highlights the personal rivalries within Hegseth’s office but also poses broader questions about the effectiveness of leadership at the Pentagon during a critical period in US military operations.
As the investigation unfolds and the implications of these events ripple through the department, insiders are left grappling with the fallout and implications of a leadership structure in evident turmoil.
image source from：https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/26/pete-hegseth-leak-investigation
