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Pentagon in Turmoil After Hegseth Fires Aides Linked to Leaks
The Department of Defense is in a state of chaos following a wave of firings ordered by Secretary Pete Hegseth. According to insiders, the dismissals were triggered by internal leaks and growing mistrust among senior staff.
Leakers Removed Amid Growing Tensions
On April 18, 2025, Hegseth terminated three key aides: Dan Caldwell, senior adviser; Darin Selnick, Deputy Chief of Staff; and Colin Carroll, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Defense. Additionally, his own Chief of Staff, Joe Kasper, was removed.
These firings stem from a string of classified leaks, including a bizarre incident where journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to a Signal group chat discussing sensitive national security matters. Officials say the leaks had become a serious liability.
Conflicts Within the Pentagon
Sources describe growing dysfunction among leadership. One senior Pentagon official said the aides clashed regularly with Chief of Staff Kasper, creating an environment that was difficult for Hegseth to manage. “They just didn’t get along,” the official said. “It was a personality clash that became impossible to ignore.”
Another defense source added, “There is a complete meltdown in the building. This is really reflecting on the secretary’s leadership.” The same official accused Hegseth of surrounding himself with staff who may not be loyal to him or capable of managing high-pressure operations.
More Firings Could Follow
While Caldwell, Selnick, and Carroll are reportedly exiting the agency entirely, Joe Kasper is expected to transition to another position within the Department of Defense. Still, insiders suggest the turmoil is far from over. “There will probably be more chaos,” a senior official warned. “It reinforces the fear factor—no one feels secure.”
The Pentagon has reportedly scrambled to stabilize after the firings. One former Trump administration staffer said, “The front office has excellent military personnel, but they can only do so much. Dysfunction at the top spreads quickly.”
Democrats Seize on Controversy
These dismissals come after earlier removals of high-profile military leaders, including Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. C.Q. Brown and Navy Chief Adm. Lisa Franchetti. Some Democrats argue the firings are politically motivated and undermine the Defense Department’s credibility.
Despite the political fallout, Hegseth remains in charge and has not commented publicly on the recent staff shakeups. However, his inner circle appears to be shrinking as pressure builds both inside and outside the Pentagon.
A Department in Disarray
Observers say the situation is unprecedented in recent memory. With senior officials either clashing or being removed, questions remain about the Pentagon’s ability to function amid so much disruption. The next few weeks could determine whether Hegseth maintains control or faces deeper internal collapse.
