A third high-ranking official at the Pentagon has been placed on administrative leave as part of an investigation into leaks within the Department of Defense. Along with Colin Carroll, the chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg, Dan Caldwell and Darin Selnick have also been removed from their positions pending the investigation. The specific reasons for Carroll’s suspension have not been disclosed, but Caldwell was put on leave for an unauthorized disclosure, while Selnick was being investigated in connection with the same leak probe.
The suspensions come after a memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s chief of staff, Joe Kasper, ordered an investigation into unauthorized disclosures of sensitive and classified information within the Department of Defense. The investigation is expected to result in a report documenting all unauthorized leaks and providing recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future. Kasper also emphasized the importance of identifying the responsible parties for the leaks and referring them for criminal prosecution if necessary. It is not yet clear whether any of the suspended officials will face criminal charges as a result of the investigation.
The leaks under investigation include sensitive information about operational plans for the Panama Canal, carrier movements in the Red Sea, Elon Musk’s visit to the Pentagon, and the temporary pause on intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The leaks have raised concerns about national security and the safety of classified information within the Department of Defense. Polygraph tests are being considered as a means to identify the individuals responsible for the leaks and ensure accountability for their actions. The full extent of the leaks and their potential impact on national security are still being assessed as part of the ongoing investigation.
The latest suspensions are part of a broader effort within the Department of Defense to address the issue of unauthorized disclosures and leaks of sensitive information. The suspensions and the ongoing investigation demonstrate a commitment to upholding security protocols and preventing the unauthorized release of classified information. The Department of Defense is working to strengthen its internal processes and security measures to prevent future leaks and protect national security interests. The investigation into the leaks is a priority for the department, and all necessary steps will be taken to identify the responsible parties and hold them accountable for their actions.
The suspension of high-ranking officials within the Department of Defense underscores the seriousness of the leak investigation and the department’s commitment to addressing the issue of unauthorized disclosures. The ongoing investigation and potential criminal prosecution of individuals responsible for the leaks reflect the department’s commitment to protecting national security and preventing the unauthorized release of classified information. The results of the investigation are expected to provide valuable insights into the extent of the leaks and recommendations for improving security measures to prevent future incidents. The Department of Defense remains focused on safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of its internal processes.
In response to the unauthorized disclosures and leaks of sensitive information, the Department of Defense has taken decisive action to investigate the source of the leaks and hold individuals accountable for their actions. The suspensions of high-ranking officials and the ongoing investigation underscore the department’s commitment to upholding security protocols and protecting national security interests. The department is working diligently to identify the responsible parties for the leaks, assess the impact on national security, and implement recommendations to prevent future incidents. The investigation is a priority for the Department of Defense, and all necessary measures will be taken to address the issue of unauthorized disclosures and strengthen security measures within the department.
