Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has been placed on administrative leave and escorted from the Pentagon as part of an ongoing investigation into unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information within the Department of Defense.
The investigation, initiated by a March 21 memo from Hegseth’s chief of staff, Joe Kasper, aims to identify the source of recent leaks involving national security information. The memo indicated that polygraph tests could be employed, and any individuals found responsible would be referred for criminal prosecution.
Joe Kasper, the DOD Chief of State wrote the following in a memo:
“Recent unauthorized disclosures of national security information involving sensitive communications with principals within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) demand immediate and thorough investigation. I request the prompt assistance of your Director for Defense Intelligence (Counterintelligence, Law Enforcement, and Security) to support OSD in leading an investigation into unauthorized disclosures in coordination with the appropriate Department of Defense (DoD) stakeholders, including those responsible for maintaining and overseeing information security systems and in coordination with federal partners as required. The use of polygraphs in the execution of this investigation will be in accordance with applicable law and policy.
“This investigation will commence immediately and culminate in a report to the Secretary of Defense. The report will include a complete record of unauthorized disclosures within the Department of Defense and recommendations to improve such efforts. I expect to be informed immediately if this effort results in information identifying a party responsible for an unauthorized disclosure, and that such information.”
Caldwell, a Marine Corps veteran and former executive director of Concerned Veterans for America, has been a prominent figure in shaping U.S. defense policy. Known for his critical views on foreign interventions, he has advocated for reducing America’s military footprint abroad.
His placement on leave follows a series of leadership changes under Hegseth’s tenure, including the dismissal of several top military officials. The Pentagon has not disclosed specific details about the nature of the alleged leak or whether Caldwell underwent a polygraph test.
The investigation into unauthorized disclosures continues, with the Department of Defense emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the integrity of classified information.
