Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was abruptly escorted out of the Pentagon on Tuesday and placed on administrative leave amid a high-profile investigation into leaks of sensitive information from within the Department of Defense. The move, confirmed by multiple defense officials, marks a dramatic escalation in the Pentagon’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on unauthorized disclosures that have plagued the department in recent months.

A Sudden Removal Amid Heightened Scrutiny

Caldwell, a Marine Corps veteran and longtime confidant of Hegseth, was removed from the building by security officers after being implicated in an active inquiry into the unauthorized release of classified or sensitive material. Pentagon officials have not specified the nature of the information allegedly leaked, nor have they disclosed whether the recipient was a journalist, a foreign entity, or another party within the government. “The investigation is still active,” a U.S. official told Reuters, declining to elaborate on the specifics of the case.

A Broader Crackdown on Leaks

The action against Caldwell follows a March 21 memo from Hegseth’s chief of staff, Joe Kasper, which called for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into recent unauthorized disclosures of national security information. The memo authorized the use of polygraph tests for Pentagon personnel if deemed necessary, though it remains unclear whether Caldwell was subjected to such a procedure.

This crackdown comes as the Trump administration, with Hegseth at the helm of the Pentagon, has made rooting out leaks a top priority. The department has faced mounting criticism over its handling of sensitive communications, particularly after a recent incident in which a Signal group chat involving senior officials—accidentally including a journalist—revealed details about U.S. military operations in Yemen. Caldwell was identified in that chat as the Pentagon’s primary contact for the National Security Council during preparations for strikes against the Houthis, underscoring his central role in high-level defense deliberations.

Background and Fallout

Caldwell’s career has been closely intertwined with Hegseth’s, dating back to their work at Concerned Veterans for America, a conservative advocacy group. He has also served at the Defense Priorities think tank and is known for his outspoken views on U.S. military policy, including his public criticism of the Iraq War.

The Pentagon has not released details about the findings of the investigation or the specific allegations against Caldwell. Social media has been rife with speculation, but official statements have remained tight-lipped, confirming only his removal and the ongoing nature of the probe.

What’s Next

As the investigation continues, the Pentagon is expected to deliver a comprehensive report on the scope of unauthorized disclosures and recommendations for preventing future leaks. Any findings that identify individuals responsible for such breaches are to be forwarded to law enforcement for possible prosecution, according to Kasper’s directive.

Caldwell’s ouster sends a clear message about the seriousness with which the Pentagon is treating internal security and the consequences for those found to have violated protocols. The case remains a developing story, with defense officials and observers alike watching closely for further revelations and the potential impact on the department’s leadership and operations.