War Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed a top-ranking general from the Pentagon during an investigation into allegations of leaked classified military details concerning Iran, Russia, and Ukraine.
Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, a senior strategist at the Pentagon, was removed following reports of failing three polygraph tests related to the alleged unauthorized disclosure of critical national security information, according to a Department of War official.
This investigation has been escalated to the Justice Department, raising the potential for legal action should evidence of criminal intent surface.
Sylvia, a three-star Army general with over 30 years of service, was the director of the J5, responsible for strategy and policy within the Joint Staff.
Concerns about Sylvia’s actions grew as officials probed possible leaks linked to sensitive military operations under the current administration.
Moreover, it is reported that Sylvia held clandestine meetings with journalists after stricter media access rules were put in place by Hegseth.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired the Pentagon’s top military planner, a Pentagon official told CBS News late Wednesday.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive personnel matters, said Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was accused of misconduct for leaking classified information related to the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine war. https://t.co/mLvvgvPSZa
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) October 29, 2026
These new restrictions mandated that reporters be escorted while inside the Pentagon, leading to speculations that Sylvia tried to evade these protocols by meeting outside of the premises.
While the claims have yet to be substantiated, the failed polygraph tests do not conclusively indicate that Sylvia leaked classified information.
The timing of these allegations is critical for the Trump administration, which faces significant national security dilemmas involving Iran, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine.
The Atlantic reported on Sylvia’s removal, noting that Hegseth had lost faith in his capabilities.
Additionally, tensions between Sylvia and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby have also been highlighted.
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Further details about the investigation and the polygraph test failures were later reported by Fox News.
Neither Sylvia nor the Justice Department has commented publicly regarding these developments.
Despite holding a senior planning position, a Defense Department source clarified that Sylvia was not a primary architect of military strategies concerning Iran.
Operational authority falls under U.S. Central Command, led by Adm. Brad Cooper.
This distinction is relevant as the Pentagon weighs options for further military action in Iran amid rising tensions in the region.
U.S. officials have reportedly alerted Middle Eastern partners to anticipate potential new American military strikes following the November midterm elections.
Concerns about possible Iranian retaliation are underscored as additional American forces are deployed to the area.
The sensitive nature of the situation necessitates safeguarding classified military data as commanders evaluate operational strategies and threats to U.S. personnel.
Sylvia’s dismissal represents another significant leadership reshuffling by Hegseth, making him the second J5 leader to be let go during the Trump administration, after Lt. Gen. John McGee.
Additionally, Hegseth has previously relieved Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims from his duties as director of the Joint Staff.
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Fox News has indicated that under Hegseth’s leadership, almost two dozen generals and other high-ranking military personnel have been released, reshaped, or have left their positions.
This broader leadership shakeup reflects the administration’s efforts to realign military strategies and oversight.
Sylvia’s exit is particularly notable given his distinguished military career.
A West Point graduate from 1994, he has seen multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and has been wounded in combat.
Before taking charge of the J5 in December, Sylvia previously led the Army’s 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
He also held the position of vice director at J5, equipping him with significant experience in military strategy.
Hegseth’s ongoing initiatives to identify sensitive information leaks are being strengthened as this situation unfolds.
The Pentagon chief has also announced a joint effort with the Justice Department to pursue individuals responsible for illegal disclosures.
