In Washington, D.C., where loyalty can sometimes matter more than policy, a trio of top Pentagon staffers have found themselves abruptly ousted—and they’re not staying quiet.
Among them is Dan Caldwell, a close friend and top advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who now claims he was fired not for leaking information, but for daring to question the powers that be.
Caldwell and two other high-ranking staffers, Darin Selnick and Colin Carroll, say they were forced out as part of what they’re calling a politically motivated purge.
All three were under investigation over alleged information leaks—but in their view, the real reason for their dismissal runs deeper.
Fired and Escorted Out: Inside the Pentagon Shake-Up
The drama unfolded fast. Caldwell, Selnick, and Carroll were reportedly removed during an internal investigation into leaks from the Department of Defense.
Both Caldwell and Selnick were physically escorted out of the Pentagon, which only added fuel to suspicions of a targeted campaign.
The three released a joint statement expressing disappointment over the way their service ended and slammed what they described as “baseless attacks” on their character.
They claim they’ve received no clear answers about what they were actually accused of leaking—or whether a legitimate investigation ever existed at all.
Caldwell Breaks Silence: “This Is How D.C. Plays the Game”
In his first public interview, Caldwell sat down with Tucker Carlson and firmly denied any involvement in leaking information.
He argued that his dismissal came down to him promoting ideas that the Washington establishment didn’t like.
“I was pushing for things a lot of people in the foreign policy world didn’t want,” he said.
“That’s the reality of D.C. politics. You start shaking things up, and people want you gone.”
Caldwell suggested that each of the three staffers were forced out for different reasons, but all shared one common trait—they challenged the system and had powerful enemies.
A Deep Divide on Foreign Policy—and a Suspected Push for War
Pressed on what beliefs might’ve put a target on his back, Caldwell pointed to a deep divide in U.S. foreign policy.
He warned of what he sees as a growing, bipartisan appetite for war in the Middle East—especially with Iran.
“There’s a real coalition in this country, on both sides of the aisle, that seems to want another war,” he said.
That bold claim, he believes, made him a threat inside the Pentagon.
A Leak Investigation With No Clear Trail
Caldwell continues to believe that the so-called investigation that led to his firing might not have been real at all.
“There’s not a lot of transparency,” he said, “and it’s unclear if any actual evidence even exists.”
The probe was said to involve several sensitive matters—from military operations in the Panama Canal to plans involving China.
But as of now, those targeted by the investigation say they haven’t seen any proof or received a clear explanation.
Hegseth’s Inner Circle in Disarray
The Pentagon is now in a bit of a leadership crisis. Joe Kasper, Hegseth’s Chief of Staff—who reportedly ordered the investigation—is also planning to resign.
Meanwhile, tensions inside Hegseth’s team seem to have been bubbling for some time.
According to insiders, there was no love lost between Kasper and the fired aides.
“They just didn’t get along,” one source said. “Different personalities, constant clashes—it was bound to blow up.”
The White House Stands Firm Amid Growing Chaos
Despite the growing controversy, President Trump has thrown his support behind Hegseth, framing the situation as a necessary clean-up of disloyal or disruptive staff.
“These are just disgruntled employees,” Trump told reporters. “Hegseth was put in that role to clean house, and sometimes that means you make enemies.”
The administration is pushing back hard against calls for Hegseth’s removal, especially after recent reports that he may have shared sensitive information in a separate private chat.
Fallout Beyond the Firings: DEI Content Scrubbed and Public Backlash
The Pentagon’s recent actions have sparked wider criticism, especially following controversial efforts to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) materials from its platforms.
Content featuring iconic figures like Jackie Robinson and the Tuskegee Airmen was taken down—sparking public outrage.
These changes, combined with the recent firings, paint a picture of an administration reshaping the Defense Department from the inside out.
Long-Term Friendships and Political Ties Under Scrutiny
Dan Caldwell’s ties to Hegseth go way back—to their shared time at Concerned Veterans for America.
He’s not just a staffer, but someone who’s stood beside Hegseth through thick and thin, including his difficult Senate confirmation battle.
Selnick and Carroll, too, bring strong resumes and personal connections.
All three shared similar political roots and helped build the team that now seems to be unraveling.
What’s Next for the Defense Department?
At this point, the Pentagon is facing more questions than answers.
With major roles now vacant and public confidence shaken, Hegseth’s ability to lead through the storm is being closely watched.
Caldwell says he still believes in his former boss—but warns that the chaos could derail the department’s mission.
“The Pentagon can’t keep operating in turmoil,” he said. “At some point, someone has to step up and lead.”