Pentagon dismisses Army general after three failed polygraph tests on leak claims
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia from the Joint Staff, citing failures in polygraph examinations related to alleged disclosures of classified information.
By Talia Bennett ·
The Department of Defense has entered a period of heightened scrutiny for senior military leaders, a trend that culminated in the abrupt dismissal of a three-star general.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia on Wednesday evening. Sylvia held the position of director of strategy, plans, and policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In that role, he was responsible for coordinating military plans for the Joint Chiefs chairman and the president.
A Pentagon official, who was not authorized to speak publicly, stated that Sylvia is under investigation for sharing classified information with journalists. The allegations cover topics including the war in Iran and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The official noted that Sylvia failed three separate polygraph tests concerning these leaks.
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the personnel action on social media without naming Sylvia directly. He said the department took necessary steps to protect sensitive information. Parnell added that the matter has been referred to the Justice Department for potential legal action. It remains unclear why the administration is pursuing civilian charges rather than using the military justice system.
President Donald Trump commented on the firing during a press interaction on Thursday. He referred to Sylvia as a woman, stating, “She’s gonna have big problems.” Trump also said, “We’re very much looking for leakers.”
The Joint Staff initially issued a statement thanking Sylvia for 32 years of service. It later withdrew that statement, saying it did not appropriately reflect the full circumstances upon further review.
Sylvia previously commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025. His official biography, which has been taken offline, lists six Bronze Star Medals, one for valor, and a Purple Heart. He did not respond to attempts to reach him by phone, email, or direct message.
This removal follows a pattern under Hegseth, who fired three aides in a previous leak investigation. One of those aides, Dan Caldwell, later joined the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. The Pentagon has also restricted media access, requiring escorts for journalists on its grounds and designating the press office as a classified space.
