Tucker Bombshell: Ex-Hegseth Aide Says Pentagon Framed Him to Silence Anti-War Voices

The recent termination of top Pentagon advisers has ignited a firestorm of controversy surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s administration. Dan Caldwell adamantly denies leaking classified information and claims he was targeted by establishment figures who oppose the Trump administration’s foreign policy direction. What evidence exists to support or refute Caldwell’s claim that he was framed?

Adviser Claims Politically Motivated Dismissal

Former senior Pentagon adviser Dan Caldwell appeared on Tucker Carlson’s show to forcefully deny leaking classified information to the press. He alleged that he was set up by opponents of Secretary Pete Hegseth’s foreign policy within the Department of Defense, specifically those who favor more aggressive actions toward Iran.

When directly asked by Tucker Carlson, “Did you leak classified information against the wishes of your superiors to media outlets?” Caldwell responded unequivocally, “Absolutely not.” He further questioned the legitimacy of the investigation, noting that investigators had neither polygraphed him nor requested access to his electronic devices, standard procedures in serious security breach cases.

Pretty suspicious that Dan Caldwell, a guy the deep state hates is all the sudden a leaker and escorted out of the pentagon. Or perhaps he’s a patsy… pic.twitter.com/osz4P5Vb3S

— Deeps (@IBringTheDeeps) April 15, 2025

Pentagon’s Internal Turmoil Exposed

Caldwell, along with Darin Selnick and Colin Carroll, was escorted out of the Pentagon during an investigation into unauthorized disclosures of information. The trio released a joint statement expressing disappointment over their termination and condemning what they characterized as unfounded attacks on their character and reputations.

The leak investigation reportedly encompasses various sensitive matters, including military operational plans and meetings with Elon Musk. Joe Kasper, Chief of Staff to Secretary Hegseth, initiated the investigation but is now rumored to be leaving his position, adding another layer of instability to the department’s leadership structure.

Despite the controversy surrounding his staff, the White House continues to support Secretary Hegseth even as he faces criticism for allegedly sharing sensitive information in private communications. President Trump has dismissed the controversy, stating, “I guess it sounds like disgruntled employees. You know, he was put there to get rid of a lot of bad people, and that’s what he’s doing.”

Dan Caldwell Was Falsely Accused of Leaking Classified Documents https://t.co/VPfxuZXqjg pic.twitter.com/6nCnlSOGy5

— Tucker Carlson Network (@TCNetwork) April 21, 2025

Foreign Policy Divisions Revealed

During his interview, Caldwell highlighted what he believes are fundamental disagreements over foreign policy within the defense establishment. He specifically mentioned challenging “a bipartisan desire for war with Iran” as a position that made him a target for internal opposition.

Caldwell expressed gratitude to Tucker Carlson for his efforts in “preventing a war with Iran” and acknowledged the influence of Carlson’s platform on foreign policy discussions. Despite his situation, Caldwell emphasized his continued support for Secretary Hegseth, stating, “Pete Hegseth needs to be a successful Secretary of Defense and the entire Department of Defense cannot continue to be consumed by chaos.”

The ongoing turmoil occurs against a backdrop of broader tensions as the Trump administration implements significant changes at the Defense Department. These changes include controversial reviews of diversity and inclusion content within military training programs and potential shifts in overseas deployment strategies that have faced resistance from career officials and some members of Congress.

Sources:

• Fired Pete Hegseth Adviser Tells Tucker Carlson He Was Framed: ‘A Lot of Evidence That There Is Not a Real Investigation’

• Pete Hegseth’s top advisor tells Tucker Carlson the REAL reason he was escorted out of the Pentagon