Pentagon Refers Fired General for Prosecution Over Alleged Leaks

The Pentagon referred Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia to the Justice Department for possible prosecution. The referral came one day after Hegseth fired him over alleged leaks of classified information.

• 32 years of service ended when Sylvia was fired on Oct. 28.
• Sylvia directed strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Staff.
• Spokesman Sean Parnell cited an Air Force OSI investigation.
• A colleague says Sylvia denies leaking but acknowledges past contact with journalists.

Why it matters: The referral would make Sylvia's case one of the most serious in Hegseth's leak crackdown. Three Pentagon officials fired in a 2025 leak probe were never referred for prosecution.

• 27 generals and admirals have been fired by Hegseth, The Washington Post reported.
• Pentagon leaders have also given polygraph tests to senior Joint Staff officers.

How 6 sources split on this story

Where they split: Outlets differ on how firmly to present the leak allegation: some report the Pentagon's account directly, while Mediaite highlights a colleague's account that Sylvia denies leaking.

What’s next: Justice Department prosecutors will weigh the referral. Parnell said the department will not comment further to protect the investigation.

• President Donald Trump said Sylvia will face big problems and that the administration is looking for leakers.
• What information Sylvia is accused of disclosing, and to whom.
• Whether the Justice Department will bring charges.
• Why the Joint Chiefs chairman's office issued and then retracted a statement praising Sylvia.