The Pentagon removed Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia after an investigation into alleged media leaks.
Why it matters: The case tests the Trump administration's approach to classified-information enforcement and military oversight. It also comes as the Pentagon tightens press access and increases scrutiny of alleged leaks.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Sylvia as director of the Joint Staff's J5.
- A Pentagon official alleged Sylvia shared classified information about Iran, Ukraine and other subjects with journalists.
- The Pentagon referred the matter to the Justice Department for possible further legal action.
- The Pentagon has not identified the allegedly leaked material, recipient journalists or supporting evidence.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia from his post as director of strategy, plans and policy for the Joint Staff, known as the J5, according to The Associated Press.
A Pentagon official said Sylvia was investigated for allegedly sharing classified information with journalists about the Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and other subjects, CBS News reported. The J5 develops strategy, plans and policy and coordinates military planning for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the president.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the action followed an extensive Air Force Office of Special Investigations inquiry. He said the matter was referred to the Justice Department for potential further legal action, writing that classified information is not personal property and that leaking it for personal, political or professional gain is a betrayal of trust. No criminal charge or indictment had been announced in the reporting reviewed.
The Pentagon official alleged Sylvia failed three polygraph tests concerning disclosures to the press. Two other Pentagon sources told CBS that allegation was untrue, making the polygraph claim contested.
The Pentagon has not publicly identified the alleged classified material, the journalists who may have received it or the specific conduct supporting the accusations. Sylvia's personal response was not obtained in the reporting reviewed.
The Joint Staff initially thanked Sylvia for 32 years of service, then withdrew the statement, saying it did not reflect the full circumstances of his departure. President Donald Trump said his administration was “very much looking for leakers.”
Sylvia previously commanded the 101st Airborne Division and received six Bronze Star Medals, including one for valor, and a Purple Heart, according to an Army release.
By the numbers
- 32 years - Sylvia's reported Army service
- 3 polygraph tests - The number a Pentagon official alleged Sylvia failed, though two sources disputed the claim
- 0 charges - No criminal charge or indictment had been announced in the reporting reviewed
Yes, but: This is a personnel action and announced investigation, not a proven criminal case. The Pentagon has released no public investigative report or evidence, and the polygraph allegation is disputed by two Pentagon sources.
What's next: The Justice Department will determine whether further legal action follows the Pentagon referral. No successor had been named for the J5 position at publication.