John Ullyot, Key Pentagon Official, Set to Depart by Week’s End

John Ullyot, Key Pentagon Official, Set to Depart by Week’s End

John Ullyot, a prominent official at the Pentagon and former national security aide under the Trump administration, is poised to resign by the end of this week. His unexpected decision to leave follows Sean Parnell’s appointment as the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson this past February.

In a conversation with Politico, Ullyot explained his reasoning for stepping down. He emphasized his initial hesitance to serve under anyone in the public affairs domain. Overwhelmingly direct, he communicated to Secretary Pete Hegseth before the inauguration that his preference leaned away from being second in command.

Ullyot elaborated on the situation by stating, “I offered to help on an acting basis for two months.” As that time frame approached, discussions with Secretary Hegseth did not culminate in a suitable placement for Ullyot at the Department of Defense. Consequently, he formally announced his resignation.

Background and Previous Roles

Ullyot’s tenure at the Pentagon is marked by significant prior roles. He served as the spokesperson for the National Security Council during Trump’s first term and took on the position of assistant secretary for public and intergovernmental affairs at the Department of Veterans Affairs. His extensive experience also includes acting as a senior adviser during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

Current Events at the Pentagon Amid Ongoing Investigations

His departure coincides with a tumultuous week at the Pentagon, where three officials have been placed on administrative leave amid an ongoing leak investigation. Notably, Colin Carroll, the chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg, was suspended on Wednesday, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Additionally, the day prior, both Darin Selnick, deputy chief of staff for Secretary Hegseth, and aide Dan Caldwell were removed from their positions. This unexpected turnover is linked to an investigation into unauthorized disclosures of sensitive national security information.

Details of the Leak Investigation

Reports from Reuters indicate that Caldwell’s leave follows an alleged unauthorized disclosure. This investigation began last month and focuses on recent unauthorized leaks of critical national security documents. The situation has triggered heightened scrutiny and concern within the Pentagon.

Department of Defense’s Response

On Thursday, the Department of Defense did not immediately respond to requests for comments regarding Ullyot’s resignation or the ongoing investigation into the leak. Furthermore, the overall impacts of these incidents may pose questions about the stability and continuity of leadership at the Pentagon during a critical time.

The Current Landscape of Pentagon Leadership

In addition to managing these investigations, the Pentagon faces the challenge of maintaining a cohesive leadership structure. With Ullyot’s impending departure and the ongoing probe into leaks, concerns may arise regarding the implications for national security and operational effectiveness.

As this story develops, the ramifications of Ullyot’s resignation and the shake-up at the Pentagon will likely remain in the spotlight. Observers and analysts will monitor how these changes might influence defense policies and communication strategies within the Department.

The situation exemplifies the challenges facing federal government agencies as they navigate issues of transparency and accountability while striving to uphold national security priorities. This resignation and the accompanying investigations underscore significant ongoing tensions within the current administration.

Fox News’ Andrea Margolis and Jennifer Griffin contributed to this report.