A senior advisor to the Department of Defense was recently placed on administrative leave and escorted from the Pentagon amid an ongoing investigation into unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information. The official, Dan Caldwell, has long been associated with restraint-oriented foreign policy initiatives, advocating for reductions in U.S. troop deployments in regions such as Europe, Iraq, and Syria. Caldwell previously worked with think tanks including Defense Priorities and Concerned Veterans for America, the latter once led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

According to a Pentagon spokesperson, Caldwell’s suspension is tied to the alleged release of information without proper authorization. The Department of Defense has launched a broader internal inquiry aimed at identifying the sources of recent leaks of classified or sensitive material. Polygraph examinations are being employed as part of the investigation, which will follow existing legal and procedural guidelines, officials said.

In a memo to department staff, Chief of Staff Joe Kasper emphasized that the investigation will be thorough, documenting all incidents of unauthorized disclosures and providing recommendations to strengthen internal safeguards. Any individuals found responsible for leaks may face criminal prosecution, Kasper noted.

Caldwell’s connection to Secretary Hegseth came into sharper focus following the exposure of a private chat concerning U.S. military strikes against Houthi forces. In the conversation, Hegseth identified Caldwell as a key point of contact for the operation. The chat was inadvertently revealed after National Security Advisor Mike Waltz accidentally added a media executive to the group, raising concerns about internal communication security.

This incident is distinct from another ongoing probe regarding leaks of classified intelligence about U.S. bombing campaigns in Iran. The release of information from a study on large “bunker buster” bombs—purportedly used to target Iranian nuclear sites—has sparked significant controversy. Early reports claimed that the weapons did not halt Iran’s nuclear activities, prompting criticism and concern from former and current administration officials. Former President Trump reportedly expressed anger over the leaks, questioning congressional motives and limiting routine briefings on military operations.

Secretary Hegseth, alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force General Dan Caine, addressed the situation at a Pentagon press conference. General Caine noted that recent intelligence suggested potential threats to U.S. bases in the Middle East, leading to precautionary evacuations of personnel.

During the briefing, Hegseth criticized the media coverage of preliminary assessments, stating that reports often misrepresented the findings. He described the released information as incomplete, low-confidence data that was not coordinated with the broader intelligence community. “Preliminary assessments require weeks of additional analysis to reach reliable conclusions,” Hegseth said. “This leak appears to have been intended to cast doubt on the operation’s success.”

Hegseth stressed that the report contained multiple assumptions that, if inaccurate, could undermine the conclusions drawn from the study. He called on the media to exercise caution in interpreting sensitive military assessments, noting that unauthorized disclosures could have broader implications for national security. The secretary also indicated that the chairman would provide a detailed professional military evaluation to clarify the facts of the operation.

Officials emphasized that the Pentagon is committed to safeguarding classified information and holding individuals accountable for breaches of protocol. The current investigation reflects the department’s effort to maintain operational security while ensuring that internal processes for handling sensitive information are followed rigorously.

Caldwell’s suspension highlights ongoing tensions within the Department of Defense regarding the release and management of classified materials. His prior advocacy for a more restrained military posture and his close association with Secretary Hegseth have drawn attention amid these internal reviews. As the investigation continues, the department has reassured the public and lawmakers that measures are being taken to prevent further unauthorized disclosures and preserve the integrity of critical intelligence.

The situation underscores the challenges the Pentagon faces in balancing transparency, operational security, and the free flow of information within senior leadership. With polygraph examinations and a comprehensive internal audit underway, officials remain focused on identifying the source of the leaks and mitigating potential risks to national defense.