Pete Hegseth advisor Caldwell, a top policy aide, was placed on leave Tuesday amid a Pentagon probe into a security breach.
What We Know
According to Reuters, Hegseth’s chief of staff, Joe Kasper, launched a leak investigation in late March, leading to Caldwell’s escort from the Pentagon. The investigation is ongoing, and while the Department of Defense (DoD) declined to comment, internal memos referenced “unauthorized disclosures of national security information involving sensitive communications.”
The memo instructed that law enforcement refer any responsible parties for possible criminal prosecution.
Was This Related to Signalgate?
Caldwell’s name surfaced during the recent “Signalgate” incident, when someone mistakenly included Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal group chat about the U.S. strikes on the Houthis in Yemen. The chat, intended for internal national security communications, raised serious concerns over the improper sharing of classified or sensitive information.
Hegseth listed Caldwell as the primary contact for the National Security Council in that chat. Although it remains unclear if this incident directly relates to his suspension, it has fueled speculation that the Dan Caldwell Pentagon investigation may be broader than initially expected.
Who Is Dan Caldwell?
- Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War
- Formerly worked at Defense Priorities and Concerned Veterans for America, which was previously led by Hegseth
- Described by critics as having “isolationist” views
- Advocated for the U.S. to retrench militarily from regions like the Middle East and Europe
- Co-authored a Foreign Affairs article promoting a Trump-style “art of the deal” approach to foreign policy
- Has advised on Ukraine policy and other defense matters
His close ties with Darin Selnick, another conservative figure in the Trump-era VA and defense policy circles, have also drawn scrutiny. Caldwell’s critics, including Sen. Mitch McConnell, have raised alarms about his vetting and strategic stance.
What Happens Next?
The DoD has stated it cannot comment on ongoing investigations. If evidence connects Pete Hegseth advisor Dan Caldwell to the recent leaks, criminal referrals could follow.
The incident raises deeper questions about security protocols under Hegseth’s leadership and whether sensitive information is being handled recklessly at high levels within the Pentagon.
Source: Forbes
