A former senior adviser to Army Secretary Pete Hegseth, who was dismissed during a notable leak investigation, has been appointed to work for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Dan Caldwell’s return to a classified intelligence position comes less than a year after he faced public accusations of leaking sensitive information; although it’s worth noting the allegations haven’t been officially validated. This move happens as tensions rise domestically and amid a growing conflict with Iran.
The appointment brings a strong advocate for a less aggressive U.S. foreign policy into the intelligence arena at a time when many issues are dividing public opinion.
Earlier on Tuesday, Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, stepped down in disagreement with the Iran war, asserting that Iran does not pose an immediate threat to the U.S., marking a rare public critique from within the administration.
A source close to the situation classified Caldwell’s new position as an “administrative role,” primarily focusing on internal coordination rather than influencing intelligence assessments or national security policies directly. Nevertheless, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence plays a pivotal role in uniting intelligence efforts across various agencies and shaping the president’s daily briefings.
Officials confirmed that Caldwell passed a polygraph test and completed several background and security checks, and is currently undergoing the onboarding process.
Gabbard’s office has not responded to requests for comments. A recent poll indicated a divide among the American public regarding the war, with 53% opposing military involvement and 40% supporting it.
Caldwell’s hiring appears to signal the conclusion of the leak investigation that began in April 2025 when he, along with two other senior Pentagon officials, was abruptly dismissed. All three have denied any wrongdoing, and no concrete proof has emerged to back the allegations made against them.
At that time, Hegseth indicated that his aides were under investigation for leaking information, hinting at potential evidence of misconduct, but none faced charges, and Caldwell has maintained his security clearance.
The Pentagon has been opaque regarding whether the inquiry is ongoing or has concluded. In previous reports, it emerged that Caldwell and his colleagues had conflicts with then-chief of staff Joe Kasper, who was also later terminated.
Even after his exit, Hegseth continued to hold Caldwell and the others responsible for the leaks, suggesting they were trying to undermine the president’s policies, which he found unfortunate.
Caldwell, a Marine Corps veteran and a significant figure in the restraint-focused foreign policy arena, has frequently advised Hegseth on European matters and has vocally critiqued extensive U.S. military engagement abroad. His ideals resonate with certain factions within the administration wary of another major conflict in the Middle East.
This dialogue has become increasingly pressing as the U.S. enters its third week of warfare with Iran. However, Gabbard, who has defined much of her political identity around opposing regime-change wars, has largely refrained from commenting on this conflict.
Following his dismissal, Caldwell hinted that their firings might stem from internal power dynamics, suggesting, “We threatened a lot of established interests inside and outside the building.”
The Pentagon has declined to provide insights on Caldwell’s appointment or the investigation’s current status. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations has not commented either.
