Hegseth fires Pentagon's top military planner over what official says were leaks to media

Key Points:

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, the Pentagon's top military planner, over allegations of leaking classified information related to the Iran and Russia-Ukraine wars, following Sylvia's failure of three polygraph tests.
• Sylvia's removal as head of strategy, plans, and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff ("J5" position) marks the second general ousted from this role under Hegseth, with no replacement named yet.
• The firing occurs amid heightened tensions as President Trump considers renewed military strikes on Iran, with U.S. forces increasing their presence in the Middle East and allies being warned of potential retaliatory actions by Iran.
• Sylvia is among nearly two dozen senior military leaders dismissed or forced out during Hegseth's tenure, reflecting the Defense Secretary's push to reduce the number of top officers by 20% by 2027, a move criticized by some lawmakers as a damaging purge of experienced leadership.
• The Pentagon has largely refrained from publicly explaining these personnel changes, while congressional critics, including Sen. Mark Kelly, warn that the extensive cuts could have long-term negative effects on military leadership.