The Pentagon is facing another significant development in its ongoing leak investigation. Darin Selnick, the deputy chief of staff for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has been placed on administrative leave. This follows the earlier removal of another Hegseth aide, Dan Caldwell, who was escorted from the Pentagon earlier the same day. Both individuals are reportedly under investigation for their potential involvement in the leak of classified information.
Selnick, a retired Air Force officer with extensive experience in veterans’ affairs, has been lauded for his work advocating for service members’ post-military transitions. His biography on the Pentagon website highlights his commitment to supporting veterans. Interestingly, both Selnick and Caldwell share a past connection, having both worked for Concerned Veterans for America, an organization formerly headed by Secretary Hegseth.
The leak itself is shrouded in some mystery, though reports suggest it involved sensitive information regarding Panama Canal plans and a visit by Elon Musk to the Pentagon, among other undisclosed matters. The Department of Defense initiated an investigation last month following the unauthorized disclosure of national security information. The investigation includes the use of polygraphs, as outlined in a memo from DOD Chief of Staff Joe Kasper. While the investigation is underway, neither Selnick nor Caldwell have been formally accused of any wrongdoing, and there is currently no public evidence connecting them directly to the leaked documents.
This situation adds another layer of complexity to the already sensitive issue of national security leaks. The fact that two high-ranking officials within the same office are under investigation simultaneously raises serious questions about potential security breaches within the Department of Defense. As the investigation progresses, further details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the nature of the leaked information and the extent of any potential involvement by Selnick and Caldwell. The Pentagon has not yet released an official statement beyond confirming Selnick’s administrative leave. This developing story will be closely followed as the implications for national security and the future of the Pentagon leadership unfold.
