Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly dismissed Lt Gen Brett Sylvia, a high-ranking army strategist, over allegations he leaked classified information, triggering a criminal investigation and highlighting Hegseth's aggressive crackdown on unauthorized disclosures.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly fired Lt Gen Brett Sylvia, a high-ranking army strategist serving on the Pentagon’s joint staff, following allegations that he disclosed classified information to the public. The Pentagon announced it has referred an alleged information leak case for criminal investigation, asserting that the removal of the senior general was essential 'to protect sensitive information.' Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell acknowledged the dismissal, confirming an extensive Air Force OSI investigation and the referral of the matter to the Justice Department for potential legal action, though he did not name Sylvia. The Department of Justice confirmed ongoing investigations related to possible leaks of classified information. Sylvia's removal is one of the most significant actions in Hegseth’s extensive campaign to identify officials suspected of sharing information with journalists, especially as the US war on Iran continues. Hegseth previously formed a joint taskforce with the Justice Department 'to identify and prosecute' unauthorized disclosures and implemented new media access restrictions that prompted legal challenges and led dozens of journalists to surrender their press badges. A senior Pentagon official claimed Sylvia failed three separate polygraph tests regarding classified material, prompting Hegseth to take immediate action. However, a colleague of Sylvia told the Washington Post that the general consistently rejected accusations of leaking classified information, while also acknowledging past communications with the press. This incident follows other controversies, including a lawsuit filed by three journalists against the Pentagon for alleged illegal dismissals and First Amendment violations.
