Hegseth Removes Joint Staff’s Top Planner, Refers Alleged Leak Case to Justice Department

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia from his position as director for strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff after an investigation into allegations that he leaked classified information.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that following an extensive Air Force Office of Special Investigations inquiry, the Department of War “took necessary personnel action to protect sensitive information” and referred the matter, along with others, to the Justice Department for potential further legal action. Officials said Sylvia failed three polygraph examinations related to the disclosures, which concerned the Iran war, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and other sensitive topics. A senior Pentagon official described the leaking as having reached a critical point requiring immediate action to protect national security.

Sylvia, a former commander of the 101st Airborne Division, had been coordinating aspects of Iran-related planning. He is the second officer removed from the J5 post under Hegseth; his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, was forced out in October 2025. The Joint Staff initially issued and then retracted a statement thanking Sylvia for 32 years of service. President Trump, when asked, said the general has “got problems” and faces “big problems, long term problems.”

The action occurs as the administration continues to manage the Iran campaign and considers post-midterm options. Hegseth has conducted a broader review of senior officers and tightened media-access rules at the Pentagon. Attempts to reach Sylvia for comment were unsuccessful, according to multiple reports. The Justice Department confirmed it has ongoing investigations related to possible classified leaks and works closely with the Department of War.