Three senior Pentagon officials recently dismissed from their posts are now speaking out, claiming they were not informed of any wrongdoing and were denied details surrounding the leak investigation that led to their removal.
Dan Caldwell, Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll, all of whom held high-level advisory roles, said they were blindsided by the sudden terminations. In a joint statement, they condemned what they called character assassination, insisting they had always upheld national security protocols and never shared classified information.
The dismissals came as part of a broader internal investigation into unauthorized disclosures within the Department of Defense. While specifics of the alleged leak have not been made public, sources suggest the probe may relate to internal discussions on military strategy or operations.
The officials expressed concern over the lack of communication and due process, claiming no evidence or accusations were formally presented before they were let go. Their dismissal has fueled questions about leadership under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the transparency of the department’s internal disciplinary procedures.
As the investigation unfolds, the former aides are demanding clarity and fairness, warning that the current handling of the matter undermines trust within the ranks of national defense leadership.