Were they scapegoats? Pentagon officials fired without cause
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Three senior Pentagon officials say they were fired without explanation amid a reported leak investigation, raising concerns about transparency and due process.
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The Pentagon is seen from Air Force One as it flies over Washington, on March 2, 2022. (AP)
Three senior Pentagon officials who were reportedly fired in connection with a Pentagon leak investigation say they were never informed of any charges or even whether a formal probe was underway. The lack of clarity has drawn criticism over the handling of the matter within the Department of Defense.
Dan Caldwell, a senior advisor; Darin Selnick, deputy chief of staff to the defense secretary; and Colin Carroll, chief of staff to the deputy defense secretary, were all reportedly dismissed on Friday, according to Politico. The three released a joint statement on X expressing frustration over their termination and the surrounding circumstances.
Joint statement from Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll, and Darin Selnick:
— Dan Caldwell 🇺🇸 (@dandcaldwell) April 19, 2025
We are incredibly disappointed by the manner in which our service at the Department of Defense ended. Unnamed Pentagon officials have slandered our character with baseless attacks on our way out the door. All…
“We are incredibly disappointed by the manner in which our service at the Department of Defense ended,” they wrote. “At this time, we still have not been told what exactly we were investigated for, if there is still an active investigation, or if there was even a real investigation of ‘leaks’ to begin with.”
Lack of transparency fuels confusion
The firings come after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s chief of staff, Joe Kasper, called for an inquiry into unauthorized disclosures of national security information. In March, Kasper stated that any individuals found responsible should be referred to law enforcement for possible criminal prosecution.
However, the officials now say they were not given details about any investigation into the alleged Pentagon leak, nor were they formally accused. “Unnamed Pentagon officials have slandered our character with baseless attacks on our way out the door,” they added, calling the experience “unconscionable.”
The investigation reportedly followed a New York Times article claiming that Elon Musk was set to receive a top-secret briefing regarding potential US military strategy in a conflict with China. The piece cited unnamed US officials, but both President Donald Trump and Secretary Hegseth denied that any such briefing was planned.
The suggestion that Musk would receive classified information drew concern across Washington, triggering internal efforts to trace possible leaks within the Department of Defense.
Officials defend record, criticize 'unconscionable' exit
Despite their dismissal, Caldwell, Selnick, and Carroll emphasized their commitment to information security during their time at the Pentagon. “We understood the importance of protecting national security and worked every day to uphold it,” they said.
The three also reaffirmed their broader support for the administration’s goals, “We remain supportive of the administration’s efforts to reform the Pentagon.”
Politico also reported that Joe Kasper will soon step down from his role as Hegseth’s chief of staff to take on another position within the department. He declined to comment on the reported investigation, and the Pentagon has yet to issue an official response.
As questions linger over the scope and existence of the Pentagon leak investigation, the departure of high-ranking officials without formal charges or transparency continues to stir speculation and unease within national security and political circles.
