Oh boy, it’s getting spicy over at the Pentagon—and not in a “new aircraft carrier reveal” kind of way. We’re talking high-stakes internal drama, top-level suspensions, and a leak investigation that’s beginning to feel like a real-life political thriller.
Here’s what’s cooking: Darin Selnick, the deputy chief of staff to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has just been removed—placed on administrative leave, to be exact. And if you’re thinking “Wait, didn’t we just hear something about another Hegseth aide being sidelined?” Yep, you’re right. That was Dan Caldwell, who was escorted out of the Pentagon earlier in the day. That’s two high-ranking aides in one day. Two!
So what gives?
Well, the Department of Defense has been rattled by a leak investigation that’s got some serious heat behind it. The probe, which officially kicked off last month, is digging into some highly sensitive national security leaks. We’re talking topics like Panama Canal planning, Elon Musk’s recent visit to the Pentagon, and other high-level policy matters. Not your average office gossip, folks.
Now, let’s set the scene: Selnick, a retired Air Force officer with deep roots in veterans’ advocacy (he’s served in multiple veterans’ orgs and was known for championing post-service support programs), is no stranger to public service.
And both he and Caldwell once worked for Concerned Veterans for America, the very same organization that Defense Secretary Hegseth himself once led. That connection? Yeah, it’s not going unnoticed.
According to the Pentagon’s public bio, Selnick has been all about “positioning service members for productive post-separation lives.” But as of now, he’s positioning himself on the sidelines of a major investigation, shoulder-to-shoulder with Caldwell as the Pentagon scrambles to patch a leak it clearly didn’t see coming.
And in case you’re wondering—no, there’s no hard evidence yet linking Selnick or Caldwell directly to the leak. But when two close aides to the Secretary of Defense get benched on the same day as part of the same probe? Let’s just say the optics are loud.
As for the investigation itself, the DOD isn’t playing games. They’re rolling out polygraph tests, digging into internal communications, and planning a full report for Secretary Hegseth. DOD Chief of Staff Joe Kasper said it plainly: “This investigation will commence immediately.” And based on today’s developments, it’s already making waves.
