Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing intense scrutiny after the leak of a classified document outlining flexible options for reclaiming the Panama canal, including sending US troops to the area. The investigation into the leak has led to the firing of three senior aides, including Dan Caldwell, Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll.
The controversy surrounding Hegseth’s leadership of the Pentagon has been building for months, with sources describing an “ugly internal politics” between his office and those he oversees. Chief of Staff Joe Kasper, who left the department last week, was seen as a key player in the dispute, although details of the investigation remain unclear.
Hegseth’s inner circle has shrunk dramatically, with only three people remaining: his acting chief of staff Ricky Buria, lawyer Tim Parlatore, and spokesperson Sean Parnell. The Pentagon has declined to comment on the reporting about the investigation.
The leak was attributed to Caldwell, who denies leaking the document to a reporter, claiming it was “weaponized” against him due to his support for military options for the Panama canal. Selnick and Carroll were also fired last week, with some suggesting they were pushed out over their perceived underperformance.
As Hegseth navigates this crisis, he faces increased pressure to manage the Pentagon amid rising tensions between rival factions within his office. The situation has raised concerns about his ability to lead the department, particularly given his handling of sensitive information and his close relationships with senior officials.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/26/pete-hegseth-leak-investigation