Hegseth Fires Pentagon's Top Military Planner Over Alleged Iran, Ukraine War Leaks

What happened: Pete Hegseth fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, director for strategy, plans, and policy (J5) on the Joint Staff. A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the dismissal, and Hegseth's office cited "severe misconduct." Key numbers: Sylvia served 32 years. He failed three polygraph tests. Why it matters: The official said Sylvia was accused of leaking classified information about the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine war, and the case has been referred to the Department of Justice. No replacement has been announced for the defense planning post. Coverage: 5 outlets in 24h

Pete Hegseth fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, director for strategy, plans, and policy (J5) on the Joint Staff. A Pentagon spokesperson confirmed the dismissal, and Hegseth's office cited "severe misconduct."

The official said Sylvia was accused of leaking classified information about the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine war, and the case has been referred to the Department of Justice. No replacement has been announced for the defense planning post.