War Secretary Pete Hegseth has ousted a high-ranking Pentagon general amid an explosive investigation into allegations that classified military information involving Iran, Russia and Ukraine was leaked to journalists.
Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, one of the Pentagon’s senior strategic planners, was removed from his position after allegedly failing three polygraph examinations connected to the suspected disclosure of sensitive national security information, according to a Department of War official who spoke to Fox News.
The investigation has reportedly been referred to the Justice Department, raising the possibility of criminal proceedings if investigators uncover evidence of unlawful disclosures.
Sylvia, a three-star Army general with more than three decades of military service, had been serving as director of the Joint Staff’s Directorate for Strategy, Plans and Policy, commonly known as the J5.
The powerful position traditionally involves developing military strategy and advising the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on major national security matters.
But according to Pentagon sources, Hegseth had grown concerned about Sylvia’s conduct as officials examined suspected leaks involving some of the administration’s most sensitive military operations.
The general is also accused of meeting with journalists outside the Pentagon after Hegseth imposed tighter restrictions on media access to the building.
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
Those restrictions required reporters to be escorted while inside the Pentagon, prompting allegations that Sylvia attempted to circumvent the new procedures by arranging meetings elsewhere.
The claims have not been proven, and the reported polygraph results do not independently establish that Sylvia disclosed classified material.
Still, the allegations come at a particularly sensitive moment for the Trump administration, which is confronting major national security challenges involving Iran and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
The Atlantic first reported Sylvia’s removal Wednesday night, citing sources who said Pete Hegseth had lost confidence in the general.
The report also described tensions between Sylvia and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby.
Fox News subsequently reported additional details about the alleged leak investigation, including the failed polygraph examinations and referral to federal prosecutors.
Neither Sylvia nor the Justice Department had responded to requests for comment at the time of the report.
Despite his senior strategic planning role, a Defense Department official emphasized that Sylvia was not a principal architect of the military campaign against Iran.
Responsibility for those operations rests with U.S. Central Command, led by Adm. Brad Cooper.
The distinction comes as the Pentagon reportedly considers additional military action against Iran following months of escalating regional tensions.
U.S. officials have reportedly warned Middle Eastern allies to prepare for possible renewed American strikes after the November midterm elections.
Those warnings reportedly include concerns about potential Iranian retaliation, while additional American military forces are moving into the region.
The developing situation makes the protection of classified military information especially important as commanders assess operational plans and potential threats to U.S. personnel.
Sylvia’s dismissal is the latest in a series of major leadership changes under Hegseth.
He becomes the second officer to lead the J5 who has been removed during the Trump administration, following Lt. Gen. John McGee.
Hegseth also previously removed Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, who served as director of the Joint Staff.
According to Fox News, nearly two dozen generals, admirals and other senior military leaders have been dismissed, pushed out or otherwise departed during Hegseth’s tenure.
The broader shakeup reflects significant changes in Pentagon leadership as the administration reshapes military priorities and oversight.
Sylvia’s departure is particularly notable given his extensive military background.
A 1994 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he served multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and was wounded in combat.
Before assuming leadership of the J5 in December, Sylvia commanded the Army’s 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
He had also previously served as the J5’s vice director, giving him considerable experience in military strategy and planning.
His removal comes as Hegseth intensifies efforts to identify and investigate suspected leaks of sensitive information to the press.
The Pentagon chief has also announced a joint initiative with the Justice Department aimed at pursuing individuals responsible for unlawful disclosures.
