Fired Pentagon aides slam Defense leaders for handling of leak investigation

Three Department of Defense aides were recently dismissed from the Pentagon, sparking questions and concerns about the nature of their abrupt departure. The aides, including senior adviser Dan Caldwell, deputy chief of staff Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll, released a joint statement expressing their disappointment with the way they were let go. They emphasized their honorable service to the country, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and their dedication to information security during their time at the Defense Department.

The statement from Caldwell, Selnick, and Carroll came after chief of staff Joe Kasper confirmed that they had been fired on Friday night. Caldwell handled the Europe portfolio, Selnick focused on operations and personnel matters, and Carroll worked on acquisitions. Despite speculation about their dismissal being related to their views on foreign policy, the employees claimed they were not given specific details about the investigation that led to their removal.

The former aides expressed frustration at the lack of information provided to them, questioning whether there was a legitimate investigation into unauthorized leaks or if they were being unfairly targeted. Experts noted that it is common practice to limit suspects’ access during an ongoing investigation and that political appointees like Caldwell, Selnick, and Carroll can be terminated at-will, even if the investigation results are in their favor.

The aides also hinted at potential legal action, with at least one of them seeking counsel. They reiterated their support for the Trump administration’s efforts to strengthen the Pentagon and achieve peace through strength, expressing hope to contribute in different capacities in the future.

The Department of Defense has not yet responded to requests for comment on the situation. It remains to be seen how this incident will impact the ongoing power struggles within the Pentagon and the administration’s agenda moving forward.

In conclusion, the dismissal of these Department of Defense aides has raised questions about transparency and due process in the handling of sensitive information. The employees’ statement highlights the need for clarity and fairness in such investigations to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of the defense establishment.