On Tuesday, the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Department of Defense (DOD) was placed on administrative leave, following a similar action taken against another Pentagon official earlier in the day. Darin Selnick, who served as the deputy chief of staff for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has been removed from his position. This was confirmed by a senior U.S. official.
Selnick is currently under investigation as part of the same leak probe that led to Hegseth aide Dan Caldwell being escorted out of the Pentagon by security. Both Selnick and Caldwell are on administrative leave while the investigation proceeds.
According to the Pentagon's website, Selnick is a retired Air Force officer with a background in veterans' affairs organizations. His biography highlights his experience in advocating for veterans and assisting service members in their transition to civilian life.
Both Selnick and Caldwell previously worked for Concerned Veterans for America, an organization once led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Reuters reported that Caldwell's leave was related to an "unauthorized disclosure" as part of the investigation into leaked Pentagon documents.
The leak probe was announced last month and focused on "recent unauthorized disclosures of national security information." At the time, DOD Chief of Staff Joe Kasper stated that polygraphs would be used in accordance with applicable law and policy, and that a report would be submitted to the Secretary of Defense upon completion of the investigation. An official told Politico that the leak concerned, among other things, Panama Canal plans and Elon Musk’s visit to the Pentagon.
10 Comments
Marishka
I trust the investigation will reveal the truth. We can't afford unauthorized disclosures!
Pupsik
Putting Darin Selnick on leave is just another way to undermine our military leadership. Absolutely shameful!
Marishka
What’s the point of all this fuss? What was actually leaked that affects national security? Sounds exaggerated.
Pupsik
I’m glad to see accountability being enforced at the highest levels of government. We need to protect our national security!
Marishka
Veterans like Selnick should understand the importance of keeping national security under wraps. Good move by the DOD.
ZmeeLove
While it’s tough to see these officials go, it's necessary to maintain national security integrity during investigations.
Africa
The DOD is doing the right thing by placing officials on leave. No one is above accountability.
Bermudez
leaks will not be tolerated. It's about time the DOD took a stand!
Muchacha
Kudos to the Pentagon for taking these allegations seriously. Transparency is key for maintaining trust.
moshiurroney
It’s essential for our defense personnel to adhere to the rules, especially concerning sensitive info. Stability comes first!