Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's aggressive crackdown on unauthorized disclosures at the Pentagon has led to multiple high-ranking officials being suspended.

According to Daily Mail, Colin Carroll, chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg, became the third official suspended in an internal investigation of leaked information, following the removal of two other political appointees.

The investigation, which began on March 21, was ordered by Hegseth's chief of staff Joe Kasper to examine unauthorized disclosures of national security information. The probe encompasses several sensitive matters, including military operational plans for the Panama Canal, intelligence collection related to Ukraine, and a planned meeting between Elon Musk and Hegseth regarding U.S. war plans for China. Kasper indicated that polygraph tests would be utilized in accordance with applicable laws and policies.

High-profile removals shake Pentagon leadership

Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser to Hegseth, and Darin Selnick, the Pentagon's deputy chief of staff, were escorted out of the building by security on Tuesday. The two officials share a connection to Concerned Veterans for America, where Hegseth previously served as head of the organization. Their removal has sparked discussions about potential motivations behind the investigation.

A defense source speaking to CNN characterized the situation as a purge targeting individuals who had disagreements with the Pentagon chief of staff. The developments come amid President Donald Trump's ongoing demands to identify and eliminate leakers within his administration. These actions reflect a broader pattern of heightened security measures within the Defense Department.

Carroll, who previously served as a Marine Corps intelligence officer, brings significant experience in artificial intelligence and defense technology. His background includes work at defense contractor Anduril and a controversial tenure at the Pentagon's Joint Artificial Intelligence Center during the Biden administration.

Complex background of suspended officials emerges

According to sources familiar with the matter, Carroll faced criticism during his previous role for his management style and treatment of employees. An inspector general investigation in 2021 revealed complaints about his behavior, including allegations that he referred to staff members using derogatory terms.

Carroll defended his actions, claiming his attempts to streamline Department of Defense projects and challenge bureaucratic resistance led to friction. He provided the following statement to Politico:

I was three years ago too early in attempting to drive the necessary revolutionary change required to deliver tangible outcomes to warfighters.

The suspended officials share similar perspectives on foreign policy, aligning with the isolationist views held by Vice President J.D. Vance and Don Trump Jr. This ideological alignment has drawn attention to the potential broader implications of their removal from their positions.

Current state of Pentagon investigation unfolds

The scope of the investigation includes multiple sensitive areas of national security concern. The probe specifically focuses on leaks regarding military operations, intelligence activities, and high-level meetings with prominent figures in the defense sector.

Kasper's investigation carries significant weight, with the potential for criminal prosecution if responsible parties are identified. The use of polygraph testing marks an escalation in the methods being employed to identify sources of unauthorized disclosures.

The investigation has particularly focused on recent leaks to media outlets, including the New York Times' reporting about planned briefings with Elon Musk regarding potential conflict scenarios with China. This disclosure prompted immediate action from Pentagon leadership.

Security measures reshape Defense Department

The ongoing investigation has resulted in the suspension of three key Pentagon officials amid concerns about unauthorized information disclosures. Carroll, Caldwell, and Selnick were removed from their positions following an internal probe ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's chief of staff. The investigation examines leaks of sensitive military plans and intelligence matters, with potential criminal prosecution for those found responsible. As the Pentagon continues its crackdown on unauthorized disclosures, the use of polygraph testing and enhanced security measures signals a significant shift in how the Defense Department handles information security.