Pete Hegseth Removes Senior Pentagon Planner Amid Leak Investigation

Pete Hegseth has dismissed Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia from a senior Pentagon planning post amid accusations that Sylvia shared classified information with journalists, according to RadarOnline.com. The allegations concern reporting on the war in Iran, Russia’s war in Ukraine and other sensitive matters; the article does not establish that Sylvia leaked classified material. Sylvia had served as director of strategy, plans and policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a role known as the J5. He was described as a key adviser responsible for developing military plans and strategy. Pentagon officials reportedly accused him of meeting journalists even after Hegseth imposed new rules requiring reporters to be escorted inside the building. A Pentagon spokesman did not address the accusations directly. Instead, the official said the chairman, Joint Staff and Joint Force were grateful to Sylvia and his family for 32 years of service and wished them well. The report does not specify whether the allegations have resulted in a formal finding or disciplinary process beyond Sylvia’s departure. The article also looks ahead to possible political scrutiny of Hegseth, arguing that a change in control of the House could lead Democrats to investigate his leadership at the Defense Department. It says lawmakers may seek testimony from Hegseth and members of his circle, including his wife, Jennifer, and aide Ricky Buria. Those are reported expectations rather than confirmed steps in an investigation. Unnamed sources quoted in the story claim Hegseth has alienated colleagues through his conduct and past decisions. One source predicted that former allies could provide documents or information to congressional investigators. The article points to Hegseth’s earlier meeting with military leaders at Quantico, where he criticized what he called “fat generals” and discussed grooming standards. Those accounts and predictions are attributed to the outlet’s sources; they do not establish that Hegseth will be removed or face impeachment.