Dan Caldwell, a former top adviser to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has stated that he was not informed about the specific reasons behind the investigation into him or the ongoing status of the inquiry. His comments come amid a broader internal probe into leaks at the Department of Defense (DOD), raising questions about transparency and the handling of sensitive information. Caldwell, along with other former officials, has expressed frustration over the lack of communication and clarity regarding the nature of the investigation.
DOD Scrutinized After Signal Chats Leak Sensitive Military Plans, Hegseth Denies Allegations
The DOD has been under intense scrutiny following reports that Hegseth and other high-ranking Trump Cabinet officials participated in a Signal group chat, discussing imminent military operations with a journalist. Signal, an encrypted messaging app, was used for these conversations, sparking widespread security concerns regarding the handling of sensitive military plans. The revelations have led to further questions about national security practices within the Trump administration, as well as the potential risks posed by such leaks.
Top Trump-Era Defense Officials Challenge Leak Probe as Signal Chat Scandal Sparks Legal BattleThe controversy deepened when The New York Times reported that Hegseth had shared additional military attack plans in a separate Signal chat with his family members and personal attorney. Hegseth strongly denied the accusations, claiming that this was a typical media attack. Despite the backlash, President Donald Trump publicly defended Hegseth, calling the reports baseless and siding with the former official amidst the scandal.
Fired DOD Officials Dispute Allegations, Plan Legal Action Over Wrongful Termination Claims
The investigation into the leaks culminated in the firing of several officials within the DOD, including Caldwell, Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll. The three former officials issued a joint statement expressing their disappointment over their dismissal, claiming that their service had been dishonored by what they described as baseless accusations.
Caldwell, in an interview with Tucker Carlson, reiterated his innocence, insisting that he had never leaked classified information and had not been informed of any investigation specifics, such as whether it was ongoing or legitimate.
In response to the firings, both Selnick and Carroll are reportedly planning to sue for wrongful termination. Their legal actions are expected to challenge the manner in which the DOD handled the situation.
Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized the department’s commitment to investigating unauthorized disclosures of national security information, warning that individuals responsible for such leaks would face criminal prosecution. Caldwell, in a post on social media, expressed his gratitude to Tucker Carlson for providing a platform to discuss the situation publicly.