Pentagon Leak Probe Expands: What It Means for U.S. Security and Global Trade

The Pentagon leak investigation just got bigger.

Today, the Department of Defense placed two more high-ranking officials on administrative leave, following the suspension of a third the day before. The probe, now targeting three aides close to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on unauthorized disclosures.

Takeaway: The investigation is no longer isolated—it’s expanding fast.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a high-level Pentagon meeting, as aides look on amid an expanding Pentagon leak investigation.

Who Was Suspended and Why?

Three names are now linked to the Pentagon leak probe:

Dan Caldwell: Senior adviser to Hegseth, suspended April 15. Named in a leaked Signal chat involving Yemen strike coordination.
Darin Selnick: Deputy chief of staff, suspended April 16.
Colin Carroll: Chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, also suspended April 16.

All were escorted out of the Pentagon after being implicated in the internal probe.

Takeaway: These aren’t low-level leaks—key players are under scrutiny.

What Information Was Leaked?

According to internal memos and media reports, the investigation is focused on multiple disclosures, including:

Military plans for the Panama Canal
Deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Red Sea
Elon Musk’s controversial Pentagon visit
A pause in intelligence-sharing with Ukraine

A March 21 memo authorized polygraph tests, and the Pentagon says criminal referrals are on the table.

Takeaway: The scope is wide, and the stakes are high.

Aerial view of the U.S. Pentagon building in Arlington, Virginia, surrounded by roads, parking lots, and green landscape.

Why This Matters Beyond the Pentagon

This isn’t just a defense story—it’s also about diplomacy and trade.

The Pentagon’s turmoil comes as the U.S. negotiates a major tariff deal with Japan. With trust and coordination critical, these internal leaks could shake Japan’s confidence in U.S. leadership.

Japan’s Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa is in active talks with U.S. officials, and leaks about military deployments or intel pauses could complicate those discussions.

Takeaway: Leaks at home may undermine leverage abroad.

Trump’s Anti-Leak Agenda

President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth have made leak prevention a top priority. Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Iraq War vet, has shaken up Pentagon leadership since taking office in January.

Caldwell, one of his closest aides, was already controversial for his isolationist views and opposition to aid for Ukraine.

Now, the administration is dealing with both information breaches and internal instability—while trying to project strength globally.

Takeaway: The White House wants control—but cracks are showing.