Army Secretary Resigns Amid Pentagon Leadership Changes

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll has stepped down, reportedly due to disagreements over policies, as President Donald Trump appoints Adam Telle as acting secretary. Fox News analyst Lucas Tomlinson discusses these shifts within the Pentagon, alongside issues regarding U.S. military supplies and a naval blockade.

In a separate but notable development, War Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed a senior Pentagon strategic planner amidst an investigation concerning allegations that he leaked classified information to the press about various military operations, including conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. This information was confirmed by an official from the Department of War.

Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the planner in question, reportedly failed three polygraph tests connected to these allegations, which have now been forwarded to the Justice Department for further inquiry.

There are claims that Sylvia met with journalists outside the Pentagon, aiming to leak classified information just after Hegseth implemented stricter media policies requiring escorting reporters within the building.

In light of these incidents, Hegseth has established a joint task force with the Justice Department to tackle these kinds of leaks with robust legal measures.

Fox News Digital has attempted to obtain a comment from both the Justice Department and Sylvia, but as of the latest update, no response has been received.

Sylvia previously held a significant position overseeing military strategy within the Joint Staff, specifically in the Directorate for Strategy, Plans and Policy, known commonly as J5. However, sources revealed that he has been sidelined from this role since spring.

Importantly, officials emphasized that Sylvia was not directly involved in planning the Iran war, which is overseen by the U.S. Central Command and its leader, Adm. Brad Cooper.

The Atlantic first reported on Sylvia’s dismissal, indicating that Hegseth had lost trust in the general amid rising tensions with Pentagon policy head Elbridge Colby.

Sylvia is the second senior officer from the J5 to be dismissed under Hegseth’s leadership, following Lt. Gen. John McGee. Earlier this year, Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, the previous director of the Joint Staff, was also removed.

This abrupt change comes as reports indicate the Pentagon is considering renewed military actions against Iran.

U.S. officials have cautioned Middle Eastern allies to brace for potential airstrikes post-midterm elections, particularly in response to possible retaliation from Iran, with additional U.S. forces already being deployed in the region.

Having graduated from West Point in 1994, Sylvia’s military career spans over three decades, including several deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he was wounded. Before taking the J5 position in December, he commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell and served as the J5’s deputy director.

Sylvia’s removal reflects a broader shake-up of military leadership during Hegseth’s tenure, where nearly two dozen high-ranking officials, including generals and admirals, have either been ousted or have voluntarily left their positions.