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Pentagon Official Placed on Leave Amid Leak Investigation
A senior advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Dan Caldwell, was escorted from the Pentagon on Tuesday and placed on administrative leave. This action follows an investigation into unauthorized disclosures of information, according to a Defense Department official.
Reuters initially reported the news, citing an “unauthorized disclosure” as the reason for Caldwell’s leave. Fox News Digital confirmed the accuracy of the report but declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
Caldwell, known for his realist foreign policy views advocating for a reduced U.S. military presence globally, previously worked at the think tank Defense Priorities and Concerned Veterans for America, a group formerly headed by Secretary Hegseth.
Last month, the Defense Department launched an investigation into recent unauthorized disclosures of national security information, indicating the potential use of polygraphs. A memo from DOD Chief of Staff Joe Kasper confirmed the investigation and the possibility of polygraph tests, conducted in accordance with applicable laws and policies. The memo also stated that any individual found responsible for unauthorized disclosures would be referred for criminal prosecution.
Caldwell’s connection to the Defense Secretary came into focus during a recent leak involving a Signal chat discussing Houthi strikes. In the chat, Hegseth identified Caldwell as the Pentagon’s point of contact for the offensive campaign. The conversation was inadvertently revealed when National Security Advisor Mike Waltz accidentally added a journalist to the group.
The Defense Department joins other government agencies, including Homeland Security and Justice, in using polygraphs to investigate leaks. This follows President Trump’s recent denial of a report claiming Elon Musk would be briefed on war plans with China, emphasizing his unwillingness to share such sensitive information.
Currently, there’s no evidence linking Caldwell to the leak involving Musk, and the specific information Caldwell is alleged to have disclosed remains unclear. Caldwell did not respond to requests for comment.