Hegseth reportedly fires Joint Staff strategist over alleged leaks
Pentagon says leak case referred to Justice Department; Lt Gen Brett Sylvia's removal follows an Air Force OSI investigation into classified disclosures.
The story in focus
The Guardian reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Lt Gen Brett Sylvia, the Joint Staff's director for strategy, plans and policy, over alleged disclosure of classified information. The Pentagon said the matter was referred to the Justice Department for potential legal action.
- Sylvia served as director for strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff
- Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed personnel action after an Air Force OSI investigation
- The matter and others were referred to the Justice Department for potential further legal action
- The Justice Department said it has ongoing investigations into possible leaks of classified information
- Press access rules introduced last year drew legal challenges, and some journalists surrendered badges
The dismissal and the investigation
The Guardian reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Lt Gen Brett Sylvia, a high-ranking army strategist on the Pentagon's Joint Staff, following allegations that he disclosed classified information to the public. Sylvia had served as director for strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell acknowledged the dismissal in a social media statement without naming Sylvia. He said that after an extensive Air Force OSI investigation, the department took personnel action to protect sensitive information and would not comment further to preserve the investigation's integrity. He said the matter, along with others, had been referred to the Justice Department for potential further legal action.
Conflicting accounts
A Justice Department spokesperson said it has ongoing investigations related to possible leaks of classified information and works closely with government partners, including the department the Trump administration calls the Department of War.
A senior Pentagon official told Reuters that Sylvia failed three polygraph tests asking whether he disclosed classified material. A colleague told the Washington Post that Sylvia consistently rejected accusations he leaked classified information while acknowledging he had previously communicated with members of the press.
Leak campaign and press access
The Guardian describes the removal as one of the most significant actions in Hegseth's campaign to identify officials suspected of sharing information with journalists, as the US war on Iran enters its ninth month. In July, Hegseth announced a Pentagon-Justice Department taskforce to identify and prosecute unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information to the press.
Last year, Hegseth imposed new restrictions on media access that prompted legal concerns from press organizations. Dozens of journalists surrendered their press badges rather than agree to the policies, which have faced legal challenges. In August, three journalists fired by the Pentagon from Stars and Stripes sued in federal court, arguing the dismissals violated their first amendment rights.
What did the Pentagon say about the leak case involving Lt Gen Brett Sylvia?
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said an Air Force OSI investigation led to personnel action to protect sensitive information, and that the matter and others were referred to the Justice Department for potential further legal action.
Sources & further reading
Help keep the record accurate. Send a correction.
