Posted on 04/22/2025 4:36:37 AM PDT by hardspunned
WASHINGTON, April 19 (Reuters) - Dan Caldwell, once one of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's most senior advisors, issued a joint statement on Saturday along with two other Pentagon officials casting doubt on an internal leak investigation that led to their ouster this week. "We are incredibly disappointed by the manner in which our service at the Department of Defense ended," Caldwell posted on X. "Unnamed Pentagon officials have slandered our character with baseless attacks on our way out the door."
Caldwell and the others added: "We still have not been told what exactly we were investigated for, if there is still an active investigation, or if there was even a real investigation of 'leaks' to begin with."
After Caldwell, the Pentagon also ousted less senior officials Darin Selnick, who recently became Hegseth's deputy chief of staff, and Colin Carroll, who was chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg.
Caldwell had drawn attention in Washington for past views that critics have called isolationist, but which advocates said sought to right-size America's defense priorities.
A Marine Corps veteran who deployed to Iraq, Caldwell was quoted as saying before going to the Pentagon that America would have been better off if U.S. troops had just stayed home. He was also a skeptic of U.S. military assistance to Ukraine and advocated for U.S. retrenchment from Europe.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
Who was the engineer of the moves against these three targets? That would be Joe Kasper? Who is Joe Kasper (who has announced he will be leaving his position this month)?
From Grok:
“Kasper has a history of working in federal government roles. He served under multiple administrations, including those of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, indicating a long career in public service.
Kasper previously served as chief of staff to Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-California), a member of the House Armed Services Committee. In 2015, he was involved in coordinating Hunter's fact-finding trip to Ukraine, navigating tensions with the State Department to ensure the congressman could assess the Ukrainian military's needs and threats from Russia.
Kasper's career also included stints with defense contractors and think tanks, though specific organizations are not named in the sources. This aligns with a common career path for defense policy professionals in Washington, D.C.
As Pentagon chief of staff, Kasper initiated a leak investigation in March 2025 that included scrutiny of unauthorized disclosures about a "pause in the collection of intelligence for Ukraine."
Kasper's rivalry with aides like Dan Caldwell, who was openly skeptical of U.S. military assistance to Ukraine and advocated for retrenchment from Europe, complicates the picture. Caldwell's termination under Kasper's investigation could suggest policy differences, with Kasper potentially favoring a more traditional national security approach. However, reports of personality clashes rather than ideological disputes indicate this may not have been about Ukraine policy specifically.”
At the very least, Caldwell deserves the right to defend himself. He does that very impressively during a Tucker Carlson interview(link below).
It’s obvious what’s going on here. The Shadow State is flooding the zone. First with Signalgate, then the ambush of these three MAGA allies of Hegseth and now the repeated MSM blows against Hegseth. Once Hegseth has been dispatched, Kasper will leave his three month stint, mission accomplished.
Meet Dan Caldwell, American hero and vanquished MAGA Patriot.
0:00Introduction
1:10 What Would Happen if the US Went to War With Iran?
9:13 The Real Reason the US Invaded Iraq
15:38 The Military Power of Iran
22:25 The Global Coalition Iran Has Formed Because of the US
26:37 Is This Evil or Stupidity?
31:10 How Trump Exposed Regime Change Wars
41:37 Caldwell’s Experience in the Marine Corps
50:31 The Impact of the Iraq War on Veterans
1:00:59 How Caldwell Helped Pete Hegseth Become Secretary of Defense
1:08:21 The Real Reason Caldwell was Fired
1:11:30 Was Caldwell the Source of the Leaks?
1:22:09 How Caldwell Was Escorted Out
1:23:41 Who Are the Real Culprits of the Pentagon Leaks?
1:28:58 Caldwell’s Reaction to His Ousting
https://youtu.be/Xg9rKJGlieM?si=88zp9suplOVWOYjA
GROK
Based on available information, here’s a detailed response regarding the charges, the Pentagon official involved, and the evidence related to Dan Caldwell, Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll in the context of the Pentagon leak investigation:
### Charges Against Dan Caldwell, Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll
- **Nature of Charges/Allegations**: The three individuals were investigated for **unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or classified information**. Specifically, they were accused of leaking details related to:
- Military operational plans for the Panama Canal.
- Deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Red Sea.
- A pause in intelligence collection for Ukraine.
- Information about Elon Musk’s controversial visit to the Pentagon, including a reported briefing on war plans with China.[](https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/15/caldwell-pentagon-leaks-00291735)[](https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/16/pentagon-official-suspended-leak-investigation-00293473)[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14626869/pete-hegseth-staffers-fate-suspended-signal-scandal-probe.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss)
- **Status of Charges**: No formal criminal charges have been publicly confirmed as of the latest reports. The individuals were placed on **administrative leave** and subsequently **terminated** from their positions at the Pentagon. The investigation was described as ongoing, with the possibility of referral to criminal law enforcement for prosecution if evidence warranted.[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/04/16/pentagon-inquiry-hegseth-suspends-caldwell-selnick/)[](https://apnews.com/article/caldwell-pentagon-investigation-leaks-hegseth-344d480e47cf4c04e0b2c510bd333b02)
- **Joint Statement by the Accused**: Caldwell, Selnick, and Carroll issued a joint statement denying the allegations, asserting they “understand the importance of information security and worked every day to protect it.” They claimed they were not informed of the specific reasons for their investigation or termination, casting doubt on whether a legitimate leak investigation existed.[](https://www.ksl.com/article/51297991/ousted-pentagon-officials-question-leak-investigation-claims)[](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/axed-pentagon-aides-claim-character-slandered-little-details-were-shared-about-leak-investigation)[](https://responsiblestatecraft.org/caldwell-dod-hegseth/)
### Pentagon Official Responsible for Initiating the Investigation
- **Joe Kasper, Chief of Staff to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth**:
- Kasper initiated the leak investigation through a memo dated **March 21, 2025**, which called for an immediate probe into “recent unauthorized disclosures of national security information involving sensitive communications.” The memo authorized the use of **polygraphs** and stated that any identified leakers would be referred for criminal prosecution.[](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/15/top-hegseth-adviser-dan-caldwell-put-on-leave-in-pentagon-leak-probe-reuters.html)[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/04/16/pentagon-inquiry-hegseth-suspends-caldwell-selnick/)[](https://apnews.com/article/caldwell-pentagon-investigation-leaks-hegseth-344d480e47cf4c04e0b2c510bd333b02)
- Kasper’s role has been controversial, with reports suggesting a possible rivalry or personality clash with Caldwell, Selnick, and Carroll, which may have influenced the investigation. Some sources indicated Kasper’s dislike for the trio, describing the situation as a “purge” of those who disagreed with him.[](https://responsiblestatecraft.org/caldwell-dod-hegseth/)[](https://www.thedailybeast.com/fired-pentagon-staff-band-together-to-call-bs-on-hegseths-leak-probe/)[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14626869/pete-hegseth-staffers-fate-suspended-signal-scandal-probe.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss)
- Kasper himself was reported to be planning to resign shortly after the terminations, adding to speculation about internal power struggles.[](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14626869/pete-hegseth-staffers-fate-suspended-signal-scandal-probe.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss)
### Evidence of Leaks
- **Lack of Publicly Disclosed Evidence**: No specific evidence directly linking Caldwell, Selnick, or Carroll to the leaks has been publicly detailed in the available sources. The investigation’s findings, if any, remain internal to the Pentagon, and no official Pentagon statement has confirmed concrete evidence against the trio.[](https://www.ksl.com/article/51297991/ousted-pentagon-officials-question-leak-investigation-claims)[](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-20/fired-pentagon-officials-weren-t-told-what-they-were-probed-for)
- **Circumstantial Context**:
- **Caldwell’s Role in Signal Chat**: Caldwell was named by Hegseth in a leaked Signal chat (disclosed by *The Atlantic*) as the Pentagon’s point of contact for the National Security Council regarding U.S. military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. This chat, which inadvertently included a journalist, raised concerns about operational security but was not directly tied to the leaks under investigation.[](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/top-hegseth-advisor-dan-caldwell-put-leave-pentagon-leak-probe-2025-04-15/)[](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dan-caldwell-pentagon-leak-investigation-on-leave/)[](https://www.thedailybeast.com/top-pete-hegseth-aide-dan-caldwell-escorted-out-of-pentagon-in-leak-probe/)
- **Specific Leaks Investigated**: The leaks under scrutiny included sensitive operational details (e.g., Panama Canal plans, Red Sea carrier movements, Ukraine intelligence pause, and Musk’s Pentagon visit). However, no source confirms that Caldwell, Selnick, or Carroll were definitively responsible. One source alleged Caldwell was accused of sharing classified documents with reporters, but this claim lacks corroboration.[](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dan-caldwell-pentagon-leak-investigation-on-leave/)[](https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/16/pentagon-official-suspended-leak-investigation-00293473)
- **Internal Suspicions**: The rapid suspensions and terminations, combined with the trio’s high-level access to sensitive information, suggest they were targeted based on their proximity to the leaked information. However, their joint statement and some analysts (e.g., former DoD spokesman John Ullyott) have suggested the investigation might be a pretext for internal power struggles rather than solid evidence of leaks.[](https://responsiblestatecraft.org/caldwell-dod-hegseth/)[](https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/19/pentagon-firings-turmoil-hegseth-00299815)
- **Polygraph Consideration**: Kasper’s memo mentioned the potential use of polygraphs, but it’s unclear if any of the three were subjected to one.[](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/top-hegseth-advisor-dan-caldwell-put-leave-pentagon-leak-probe-2025-04-15/)[](https://www.foxnews.com/politics/top-hegseth-advisor-placed-administrative-leave-defense-department)
### Additional Context
- **Internal Pentagon Dynamics**: The suspensions and firings occurred amid reported tensions within Hegseth’s inner circle, with some sources describing the actions as part of a broader power struggle rather than solely a response to leaks. The involvement of Kasper, who reportedly clashed with the trio, and his subsequent resignation plans fuel this narrative.[](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/15/us/politics/pentagon-leak-investigation.html)[](https://responsiblestatecraft.org/caldwell-dod-hegseth/)[](https://www.thedailybeast.com/fired-pentagon-staff-band-together-to-call-bs-on-hegseths-leak-probe/)
- **Public and Political Reaction**: Democrats and former Pentagon officials criticized the handling of the investigation, citing it as evidence of politicization under Hegseth’s leadership. The trio’s termination also drew attention due to their support for Trump’s agenda, raising questions about whether they were scapegoated.[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/04/16/pentagon-inquiry-hegseth-suspends-caldwell-selnick/)[](https://responsiblestatecraft.org/caldwell-dod-hegseth/)
- **No Connection to “Signalgate”**: The investigation appears distinct from the earlier “Signalgate” incident, where Hegseth and others inadvertently included a journalist in a Signal chat about Yemen strikes. No one was disciplined for that incident, despite its security implications.[](https://responsiblestatecraft.org/caldwell-dod-hegseth/)[](https://www.thedailybeast.com/top-pete-hegseth-aide-dan-caldwell-escorted-out-of-pentagon-in-leak-probe/)
### Conclusion
As of April 21, 2025, Dan Caldwell, Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll were accused of leaking sensitive Pentagon information, leading to their administrative leave and subsequent termination. The investigation was initiated by **Joe Kasper**, Hegseth’s chief of staff, via a March 21 memo. However, **no specific evidence** publicly confirms their guilt, and the trio has denied the allegations, claiming they were not informed of the investigation’s details. The situation is complicated by reports of internal rivalries, particularly involving Kasper, and a lack of transparency about the investigation’s findings. For further details, official Pentagon statements or updates from credible news outlets like Reuters or *The Washington Post* would be necessary, as the investigation remains ongoing.[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/04/16/pentagon-inquiry-hegseth-suspends-caldwell-selnick/)[](https://www.ksl.com/article/51297991/ousted-pentagon-officials-question-leak-investigation-claims)[](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-20/fired-pentagon-officials-weren-t-told-what-they-were-probed-for)
If you need additional analysis or updates, please let me know!
Grok? Ask Grok anything non-political, but politics is not Grok’s forte.
If Tucker Carlson is against them being fired, I am all for it.
This leaking crap has to stop. Leakers heads should roll, it is tantamount to treason. Telling the press anything until after the fact is treason.
Trump should have *all* the top brass arrested.
Trump team can use the same clause at the Department of State to clean house as well: Disclosure of Sensitive Information.
There is Zero or no Unclassified Information category at State, and the disclosure of any information or transmission of comments via second/third party email is grounds for firing.
The Sensitive Information is a game changer. I believe that elected members in office can be removed for similar conduct.
There is in effect a military coup by guile in progress
\/
martial law time.
just sayin.
“None of the three were accused in the Signalgate ruse.”
I thought I read here that one of them was involved in that Signal issue — bringing the journalist into the conversation.
Not sure, though.
THEY DID NOT LEAK!!!! Can’t you read?
someone recently said...
“Democrats Act.
Republicans make excuses not to act.”
Yes, I can thank you. Can you think one more than one level and infer? I am talking about all the MSM’s rush to print thing from anonymous sources and other left over deep staters trying to air everything that happens in Trumps admin.
The point of the entire thread is that there was never any proof AT ALL that these three did anything wrong. They all asked for lie detector tests, they offered up voluntarily their electronic devices and were refused. The only crime that can be proved is the fact that they are solid MAGA. Kasper, the Shadow State goon responsible for the BS accusations and their firings is engaged in the same process we saw played out a hundred times in the first administration.
After the totally unproven “leakers” slander hit the MSM, 95% of FReepers had their pitchforks out and were clamoring to crucify these totally innocent MAGA standouts! I bring the exonerating proof of what’s going on here, if you read the proof, and no one cares! Idiots!
Do yourself a favor and watch five minutes of the Carlson interview of this MAGA hero and you’ll be as outraged and informed as I am.
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