In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the U.S. defense community, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has terminated three high-ranking Pentagon officials following an ongoing internal investigation into a classified information leak. The move comes amid reports of rising tensions, internal dysfunction, and mounting leadership questions within the Department of Defense.
According to internal sources and media reports, the terminated officials include Senior Adviser Dan Caldwell, Deputy Chief of Staff Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll, who previously served as Chief of Staff to Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen Feinberg. All three were abruptly placed on leave earlier this month before being escorted out of DOD premises, a move that insiders say left them blindsided.
“They were never told what they were accused of leaking, never read their rights, and weren’t given any instructions on communication limitations,” one official told reporters.
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Despite the media firestorm, legal experts clarified that being placed on administrative leave is a standard procedure, not a formal disciplinary action. “This is a precautionary step allowing for a full, unbiased investigation,” legal analyst Sean Timmons told Different HUB.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn on Friday, when all three were officially fired, and news broke that Joe Kasper, Hegseth’s Chief of Staff, is also stepping down to take another post within the DOD. This marks four top-level departures in less than a week, sparking intense scrutiny over Hegseth’s management and decision-making.
Infighting and Allegations Behind the Scenes
Prior to the terminations, a bitter internal feud had reportedly escalated to the point of “shouting matches” in Pentagon offices. Sources claim that Kasper had a “personal vendetta” against the three fired officials, who in turn were allegedly attempting to get him removed.
“It was a toxic work environment driven by personality clashes,” one source close to the matter told Different HUB.
Despite these claims, Pentagon officials insist the firings had nothing to do with interpersonal drama, but rather stemmed from a serious breach of national security. At the heart of the probe is a leak to The New York Times, which published a story in March stating that DOGE chief Elon Musk was scheduled for a clandestine military briefing on U.S. strategies regarding China.
“This is about unauthorized disclosures, including possibly classified material,” a Pentagon spokesperson confirmed.
Both President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth have strongly denied the validity of the Times report, labeling it a fabrication. Elon Musk himself called it false and vowed that those responsible would face consequences.
Criticism Mounts as Hegseth Faces Leadership Test
With top officials rapidly departing, critics from both sides of the aisle are raising alarms about Hegseth’s leadership capability. A senior defense official speaking anonymously stated:
“There’s a complete meltdown at the Pentagon. This chaos is a direct reflection of Pete Hegseth’s inability to lead effectively.”
Former Assistant Defense Secretary Chris Meagher, who served under President Biden, echoed the sentiment:
“Everyone knew Hegseth lacked the qualifications for this position. What we’re seeing now—firing loyal staff, transparency failures, and internal dysfunction—proves he’s not fit for this role.”
Still, Hegseth maintains that his actions are rooted in a firm commitment to national security and the elimination of internal threats. His office issued a brief statement reiterating that the investigation into the leak is ongoing, and further action may follow.
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Conclusion
As the Pentagon faces increasing instability, the recent firings under Pete Hegseth have exposed deep divisions within the Department of Defense. With national security at stake and political pressure rising, the days ahead may determine whether this administration can restore confidence—or whether this incident marks the beginning of broader disarray in U.S. defense leadership.
Stay updated on this developing story here at Different HUB, where we bring you exclusive insights and underreported angles the mainstream often misses.
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