Pentagon Advisor Suspended: Unraveling the High-Stakes Information Leak Probe

Pentagon top advisor Dan Caldwell, who once called the Iraq War a “monstrous crime,” was escorted from the building and placed on administrative leave after being linked to unauthorized leaks of sensitive national security information.

Key Takeaways

Dan Caldwell, a senior advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was identified as the source of an “unauthorized disclosure” and placed on administrative leave.
The Pentagon launched an investigation that could involve polygraph tests, highlighting the severity of the security breach.
Caldwell, an Iraq War veteran, previously expressed controversial views opposing American military primacy and has criticized U.S. assistance to Israel.
He was reportedly involved in a leaked Signal chat discussing strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The security breach raises concerns about information protection within the Trump administration’s Defense Department.

Senior Defense Advisor Removed During Active Leak Investigation

In a stunning development at the Pentagon, senior advisor Dan Caldwell has been placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into unauthorized information leaks. According to reports from multiple sources, Caldwell, who serves as a key advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was identified as the potential source of sensitive information disclosures. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Defense Department, with Caldwell being escorted from the Pentagon premises—a clear indication of the gravity of the situation.

The Department of Defense has initiated a formal investigation into what they’ve termed an “unauthorized disclosure.” While specific details about the nature of the leaked information remain closely guarded, it’s understood that the disclosure involved national security matters. Joe Kasper, Hegseth’s chief of staff, issued a memo calling for a thorough investigation, including potential use of polygraph examinations—an extraordinary measure that underscores the seriousness with which the Pentagon is approaching this security breach.

One of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's leading advisers, Dan Caldwell, was escorted from the Pentagon on Tuesday after being identified during an investigation into leaks at the Department of Defense, a U.S. official told Reuters. https://t.co/YmBDnTZLNE pic.twitter.com/wYbl5ni3EX

— Reuters (@Reuters) April 16, 2025

Controversial Background Raises Questions

Caldwell’s background and previous statements have come under intense scrutiny following the news of his administrative leave. A Marine Corps and Iraq War veteran, Caldwell has expressed surprisingly controversial views about American military policy. He previously worked for Concerned Veterans for America, an organization with strong connections to Republican lawmakers, but his personal views often diverged from mainstream conservative defense positions, particularly regarding American military intervention and primacy.

“I think our pursuit of primacy has ultimately made us weaker as a country.” – Dan Caldwell

Most startlingly, Caldwell has gone on record calling the Iraq War—in which he himself served—a “monstrous crime.” This characterization raises serious questions about his alignment with the Trump administration’s defense priorities and his suitability for a senior advisory position at the Pentagon. His reported disagreement with U.S. military assistance to Israel also positions him at odds with current administration policy, creating a puzzling dynamic within Hegseth’s inner circle.

Signal Chat Leak Tied to Yemen Operations

Reports indicate that Caldwell was involved in a Signal chat discussing potential military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen—information that was subsequently leaked to The Atlantic. The leaked communications between Pentagon officials and the National Security Council reveal internal discussions about sensitive military operations, creating a dangerous vulnerability in national security protocols. This breach represents exactly the kind of unauthorized disclosure that defense officials are working to prevent.

“I expect to be informed immediately if this effort results in information identifying a party responsible for an unauthorized disclosure, and that such information will be referred to the appropriate criminal law enforcement entity for criminal prosecution” – Joe Kasper

The investigation into Caldwell’s actions highlights a critical vulnerability within the Pentagon’s information security infrastructure. While the Trump administration has made cleaning house a priority, with numerous federal employees being terminated across various departments, this case stands apart as a specific response to a security breach rather than a broader political restructuring. Pentagon officials have made it clear that protecting classified information remains paramount regardless of political considerations.