• Three senior Defense Department advisers have accused the Pentagon of damaging their reputations during a classified leak investigation, alleging baseless accusations and lack of transparency.
  • The investigation reportedly stems from claims about a classified briefing involving U.S. war plans with China, though the Trump administration denies such a briefing occurred.
  • The advisers criticized the handling of the probe, stating they were removed without clear explanation, while the Pentagon continues its investigation into unauthorized disclosures.

Three senior Defense Department advisers have accused the Pentagon of tarnishing their reputations during an ongoing official investigation into alleged leaks of classified information. Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll, and Darin Selnick released a joint statement on Saturday criticizing what they called baseless accusations and lack of transparency. The advisers, previously serving key roles under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, were reportedly removed from their positions and escorted out of the Pentagon last week.

“We are incredibly disappointed by the manner in which our service at the Department of Defense ended,” the advisers stated. “Unnamed Pentagon officials have slandered our character with baseless attacks on our way out the door.”

Leak Investigation and Context

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The controversy stems from a recent Pentagon probe launched after reports that tech billionaire Elon Musk, currently heading the Department of Government Efficiency, was set to receive a classified briefing on U.S. war plans involving China. The Trump administration denied the reports, maintaining that the briefing never occurred. Nonetheless, the government response has included the possibility of lie detector tests for Pentagon personnel, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations.

Joe Kasper, Chief of Staff to Defense Secretary Hegseth, emphasized the stakes in a memo last month: “This investigation will commence immediately and culminate in a report to the Secretary of Defense, including recommendations to prevent unauthorized disclosures.”

Advisers Allege Lack of Transparency

The former advisers argue that the official investigation has been mishandled. “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 to begin with,” their statement read. Despite their criticism, the advisers voiced continued support for President Trump’s administration, saying, “We remain supportive of the Trump-Vance administration’s mission to make the Pentagon great again and achieve peace through strength.”

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What’s Next?

The Pentagon investigation is ongoing and is expected to provide a detailed account of unauthorized disclosures within the Defense Department. The findings could lead to stricter regulations or procedural changes to safeguard sensitive information. Meanwhile, President Trump’s administration has reiterated its commitment to protecting national security while ensuring transparency.

Implications Moving Forward

The situation underscores the challenges facing the Pentagon in balancing national security with maintaining trust among its personnel. If the investigation reveals systemic issues, it could prompt broader reforms in how the Defense Department handles classified information. Additionally, the outcome could have political implications for the Trump administration as it manages both internal and external scrutiny.

What are your thoughts on the Pentagon’s handling of this situation? Share your comments below and let us know your perspective. Don’t forget to Follow The Dupree Report on WhatsApp for the latest updates and insights: Follow The Dupree Report On WhatsApp.

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