Pentagon Adviser Dan Caldwell Placed on Leave

Pentagon Adviser Dan Caldwell Placed on Leave \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Dan Caldwell, senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has been placed on administrative leave and escorted from the Pentagon amid an investigation into unauthorized disclosures. Caldwell, a former Marine and longtime Hegseth ally, is tied to a broader Pentagon crackdown on leaks. The inquiry could lead to criminal prosecution if wrongdoing is found.

Quick Looks

• Status: Dan Caldwell placed on administrative leave and escorted out of Pentagon.
• Reason: Linked to an investigation into unauthorized disclosure of department information.
• Background: Caldwell is a former Marine and longtime associate of Pete Hegseth.
• History with Hegseth: Both were senior figures at Concerned Veterans for America.
• Leak Crackdown: Follows a memo about “recent unauthorized disclosures” in the Pentagon.
• Security Measures: Pentagon staff warned of possible polygraphs and criminal referrals.
• No Specific Leaks Named: Officials did not disclose what information may have been leaked.
• First Reported By: Reuters broke news of Caldwell’s departure.
• Other Roles: Caldwell previously worked at Defense Priorities think tank.
• Education: Graduated from Arizona State University in 2011.

Deep Look

Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was escorted from the Pentagon by security personnel on Tuesday and placed on administrative leave, as part of an active investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of Department of Defense information, according to two defense officials with direct knowledge of the matter.

The sudden removal of Caldwell, a decorated former Marine and close political ally of Hegseth, marks a significant escalation in the Pentagon’s crackdown on internal leaks, particularly involving classified or sensitive national security information. The defense officials, who spoke under condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of personnel discussions, did not elaborate on the specific nature or content of the suspected disclosures.

Longstanding Ties Between Caldwell and Hegseth

Caldwell’s relationship with Secretary Hegseth dates back over a decade to their time at Concerned Veterans for America (CVA), a politically influential nonprofit aimed at promoting conservative veterans’ policies. Caldwell joined CVA in 2013 as policy director and later served as executive director, working alongside Hegseth, who previously led the organization.

Under their leadership, CVA experienced both political success and financial strain. The group became a key part of the broader conservative veterans’ movement, advocating for privatization efforts within the VA, while also drawing scrutiny over management and fiscal oversight. Despite CVA’s operational troubles, the bond between Hegseth and Caldwell remained strong, ultimately leading to Caldwell’s senior advisory role at the Pentagon.

Investigation Into National Security Leaks

The timing of Caldwell’s dismissal appears to correlate with a March 22 memo issued by Hegseth’s chief of staff, Joe Kasper, which signaled the start of an internal Pentagon investigation into a series of unauthorized disclosures of national security information.

In the memo, Kasper warned that the Defense Department would aggressively pursue the source of leaks, including the use of polygraph examinations if deemed necessary. He added that findings would be reported directly to Secretary Hegseth and that criminal referrals could be made to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

“I expect to be informed immediately if this effort results in information identifying a party responsible for an unauthorized disclosure,” Kasper stated, underscoring the seriousness of the investigation. “Such information will be referred to the appropriate criminal law enforcement entity for criminal prosecution.”

Though no official connection has been publicly confirmed between Caldwell and any specific leaks, defense officials indicated that his administrative leave is directly tied to this internal inquiry.

A Broader Pentagon Crackdown

Caldwell’s ousting underscores the Pentagon’s heightened efforts to stem the flow of sensitive information, a challenge that has plagued the Department of Defense and other federal agencies during the Trump administration. Leaks of classified documents, internal communications, and policy plans have become a recurring concern, prompting investigations and, in some cases, legal action.

This crackdown has extended beyond just policy leaks to include interpersonal communications, internal deliberations, and national defense strategies—all areas where unauthorized disclosures can carry significant diplomatic and operational risks.

Caldwell’s Career and Background

In addition to his time with CVA and the Pentagon, Dan Caldwell served in the U.S. Marine Corps and has worked extensively in public policy. He was a public policy adviser at Defense Priorities, a Washington-based think tank focused on restraint-oriented foreign policy. He holds a degree from Arizona State University, where he graduated in 2011.

Caldwell has been a prominent voice in defense and veterans’ affairs circles and was considered a key ideological ally to Secretary Hegseth within the Pentagon. His sudden departure leaves a gap in Hegseth’s advisory circle and casts a spotlight on how far-reaching the ongoing investigation may be.

What’s Next?

At this point, no charges have been filed, and the Pentagon has not publicly commented on the nature of the investigation or whether additional personnel are being scrutinized. The case remains open, and further developments may hinge on the findings of internal probes and possible criminal referrals.

The incident is a stark reminder of the growing tension between government transparency and national security, and it raises questions about internal accountability within the Department of Defense. Whether Caldwell will face further disciplinary or legal action remains to be seen.

Key Takeaways:

• Dan Caldwell, a top Pentagon adviser and longtime Hegseth ally, has been placed on leave and escorted out.
• His departure is tied to an ongoing investigation into leaks of sensitive department information.
• The move follows a March 22 memo warning of leak investigations and potential polygraphs.
• Caldwell has a long professional relationship with Hegseth and previously served at Concerned Veterans for America.
• He also worked with Defense Priorities, a Washington think tank.
• No official charges or detailed allegations have yet been made public.

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