Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed the Pentagon's top military planner, Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, amid an ongoing investigation into alleged leaks of classified information. The move comes as President Donald Trump is reportedly considering renewed strikes against Iran following next week's midterm elections.
Sylvia, who served as the director of strategy, plans, and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was removed from his post after authorities alleged he met with journalists outside of secure facilities to bypass escort policies. A Defense Department official stated that Sylvia failed multiple polygraph examinations related to leaking classified information and that the investigation has been referred to the Department of Justice.
"The extent of [Sylvia's] leaking became so critical that Secretary Hegseth took immediate action and fired Sylvia in order to protect national security," the official told One America News Network Chief National Security Correspondent Alexandra Ingersoll. "Urgent action was needed and could not wait another second."
A spokesperson for the Joint Staff acknowledged Sylvia's removal, stating, "The Chairman, the Joint Staff, and the Joint Force extend our deepest gratitude to Lt Gen Brett Sylvia and his family for their 32 years of distinguished service to our nation."
Sylvia's removal marks the second time a general has been ousted from the J5 position under Hegseth. His predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, was reportedly forced to retire last October. Sylvia is also among nearly two dozen generals, admirals, and other military leaders who have departed under Hegseth's tenure, many without public explanation from the Pentagon.
This leadership change occurs as President Trump has indicated a willingness to consider new strikes on Iran. U.S. officials have reportedly alerted Middle Eastern countries and regional allies to prepare for potential military action after the midterm elections, as well as for the possibility of Iranian retaliation. The United States has also increased its military presence in the region, with a third aircraft carrier and thousands of additional troops en route.
Administration thinking suggests that increased economic pressure on Iran could compel negotiations to end the ongoing war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. naval blockade has already resulted in significant economic losses for Iran. Among the potential military options being considered is the deployment of the 21,600-pound "mother of all bombs" (MOAB) against Iranian nuclear facilities and energy infrastructure. However, military experts have expressed doubts about the MOAB's effectiveness against deeply buried facilities, noting its design is better suited for large-area clearance than penetration.
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