Hegseth Adviser Caldwell Suspended in Pentagon Leak Investigation
Pentagon adviser escorted from building in leak investigation
One of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s top advisers, Dan Caldwell, was escorted from the Pentagon on Tuesday as part of an investigation into leaks at the Department of Defense, a US official confirmed to Reuters.
Caldwell has been placed on administrative leave for an “unauthorized disclosure,” according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The specifics of the alleged leak, such as who Caldwell may have disclosed information to, have not been revealed.
President Donald Trump’s administration has been cracking down on leaks, a stance that Hegseth has supported at the Pentagon. A memo signed by Hegseth’s chief of staff in March called for an investigation into unauthorized disclosures of national security information.
Although Caldwell may not be as well-known as other Pentagon officials, he has been a key adviser to Hegseth. A leaked text chain recently revealed Caldwell as the main contact point for the National Security Council during preparations for strikes against the Houthis in Yemen.
Caldwell’s past views, deemed by some as isolationist, have garnered attention in Washington. However, advocates argue that his perspectives aimed to realign America’s defense priorities.
The investigation into the leak involving Caldwell is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what further developments will arise in this case.
