Power Struggles Erupt at the Pentagon Amid Leak Investigations and Staff Departures

FIRST ON FOX: Recent high-profile departures within the Pentagon shed light on a deeper current of internal strife and escalating tensions that have built up over recent months. Multiple defense officials reveal that these personnel changes stem not only from individual issues but also from a broader culture of factional infighting.

According to sources within the Department of Defense, three employees were placed on paid leave this week without receiving any formal notification regarding the leaks they are suspected of being involved in. These staff members were not advised of their rights, nor were they instructed about their ability to communicate with others. Furthermore, they were not required to surrender their cell phones as part of the ongoing investigation into unauthorized disclosures.

As the inquiry progresses, it has emerged that at least one of the former employees is consulting legal counsel. However, none have been terminated, and all are pending the results of the investigative process.

Key Figures Affected by the Investigations

Among those sidelined was a group of top aides to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which included senior advisor Dan Caldwell, deputy chief of staff Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll, who serves as the chief of staff to Deputy Secretary of Defense Stephen Feinberg. These individuals were reportedly escorted from their offices early this week amid the growing scrutiny of unauthorized leaks.

Subsequently, on Friday evening, two defense officials confirmed that these aides were officially terminated, along with chief of staff Joe Kasper.

Departures and Internal Dynamics

Additionally, press aide John Ullyot departed the Pentagon on his own accord after expressing his disinterest in a subordinate role within the communications team. His resignation adds another layer to the rapidly changing landscape at the Pentagon.

While officials assert that the placement of these aides on leave was not connected to their opinions on foreign policy matters, reports have surfaced highlighting a potentially deeper rift. Notably, it has been suggested that President Trump commented to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Pentagon would refrain from intervening should Israel strike Iran.

Selnick, who dealt primarily with operations and personnel, and Caldwell, focused chiefly on European affairs, had raised alarms about Kasper’s leadership style. According to a knowledgeable defense official, a growing animosity existed between them and Kasper, culminating in the issuance of a memo in March that launched an investigation into unauthorized disclosures to journalists.

Tensions Resulting in Outbursts

The interpersonal dynamics reportedly deteriorated to such an extent that informal encounters transformed into shouting matches within the Pentagon’s front office. This atmosphere requires serious reflection on the internal dynamics at play within this critical government entity.

Conversely, a Pentagon official emphasized that any connection between conflicts and the placements of these aides on leave was unfounded. He provided a compelling argument that the investigation centered strictly on unauthorized leaks, which may include classified information.

The Legal Framework Around Investigations

Legal analysts specializing in military law argue that employees under investigation are not obligated to be informed of their alleged misdeeds until the inquiry concludes. Sean Timmons, an expert in the field, explained that the placement of an employee on paid leave is a normative procedural step, not a disciplinary action. Such a move is designed to facilitate a thorough investigation while protecting the interests of all parties involved.

Timmons further noted that while these employees may feel disrespected by the media coverage, the measures taken by the Pentagon do not deviate from standard procedure. Subject to ongoing investigations, these staff members have had their access to sensitive information temporarily suspended as investigative protocols are followed.

Understanding the Implications of Job Terminology

The aides on leave are political appointees, meaning they serve at the discretion of their superiors and can be terminated without cause. If found guilty of leaking information, they risk having their security clearances revoked, which can have lasting repercussions on their careers.

Libby Jamison, another attorney with expertise in military law, emphasized the limited protections afforded to political appointees. This inequity highlights a significant gap in job security as compared to career civilian staff, making it easier for them to be placed on administrative leave.

Should allegations of leaking arise, reports will be sent to the Defense Information System for Security, which will subsequently initiate an independent evaluation of the individuals’ security clearances.

Potential Outcomes of the Investigation

Timmons clarified that there exists potential for these staff members to contest the allegations against them, particularly if evidence of misconduct does not emerge. Conversely, should sufficient evidence arise to confirm leaks, they face serious consequences—including termination and criminal prosecution.

Independent reviewers will determine the presence of sufficient evidence tying the aides to the alleged leaks. If they clear the aides of any wrongdoing, the employees could return to their roles and retain their security access.

Scenarios and Future Developments

In the aftermath, Ullyot stated he had communicated with Hegseth about his desire not to play a subordinate role in public affairs, eventually leading to his own departure from the Pentagon. As someone who previously oversaw public affairs, Ullyot had previously influenced key decisions, even inciting controversy with personal critiques aimed at former military officials.

As the investigation continues and tensions simmer underneath the surface, the Office of the Secretary of Defense remains silent as inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding these rapid departures. Such an atmosphere necessitates carefully navigating the complexities of Pentagon dynamics, where history has shown that discord can meaningfully impact operations.