Second Pentagon Advisor Faces Administrative Leave Amid Leak Investigation

The Defense Department’s deputy chief of staff has been placed on administrative leave amid a growing investigation into unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information. This decision follows the earlier removal of another Pentagon official on the same day.

Darin Selnick, serving as deputy chief of staff to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is currently under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in a leak probe. A senior U.S. official has confirmed this development to reliable sources.

Prior Suspensions Raise Concerns

Selnick’s removal aligns with the earlier suspension of Dan Caldwell, an aide to Hegseth, who was escorted from the Pentagon by security personnel. Both officials are now on administrative leave as the investigation unfolds.

Background on Darin Selnick

According to the Pentagon’s official biography, Selnick is a retired Air Force officer with extensive experience in veterans’ affairs. His background includes significant advocacy work aimed at assisting service members in transitioning to civilian life.

The biography highlights that Selnick employs his vast government and private sector experience to help veterans lead productive lives once they leave active duty.

Link to Concerned Veterans for America

Both Selnick and Caldwell share a common background, having previously worked for Concerned Veterans for America, a group once led by Defense Secretary Hegseth. This connection has drawn attention as the investigation progresses.

News reports indicate that Caldwell’s suspension stemmed from an alleged unauthorized disclosure of classified information related to Pentagon documents.