Top Hegseth advisor placed on administrative leave by Defense Department
A high-ranking advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was escorted out of the Pentagon on Tuesday and placed on administrative leave, as per a Defense Department official. The advisor, Caldwell, was reportedly placed on leave for an “unauthorized disclosure” of information in the midst of an investigation into leaks from the Pentagon. While a Defense Department official confirmed the accuracy of the report by Reuters, they declined to provide further details on the ongoing investigation.
Caldwell, who previously worked at the think tank Defense Priorities and Concerned Veterans for America, has been known for his advocacy for a reduction in the U.S. military presence in Europe and the withdrawal of forces from Iraq and Syria. His views align with a foreign policy realist perspective, emphasizing a more restrained approach to American military involvement abroad.
The Defense Department recently announced an inquiry into unauthorized disclosures of national security information, expressing intentions to utilize polygraph tests to identify the source of the leaks. In a memo, DOD Chief of Staff Joe Kasper outlined the procedures for the investigation, stating that any individuals identified as responsible for unauthorized disclosures would face potential criminal prosecution.
Caldwell has refrained from commenting on the situation at this time. The developments surrounding his placement on administrative leave highlight the ongoing efforts within the Defense Department to address leaks of sensitive information and uphold national security protocols.
As the investigation progresses, it is crucial for the Pentagon to maintain transparency and accountability in handling unauthorized disclosures to safeguard national security interests. The use of polygraph tests underscores the seriousness with which the Defense Department is approaching the issue of leaks and underscores the importance of protecting classified information.
For further updates on this developing story and other national security matters, stay tuned to reliable news sources and the latest reports from official government channels.
