President Donald Trump issued a warning Thursday about a recently dismissed senior Pentagon general accused of leaking classified military information, saying the officer could face serious consequences as his administration intensifies its efforts to identify unauthorized disclosures.
Speaking to reporters before departing for a midterm campaign rally in South Carolina, Trump addressed the firing of Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, who was removed from his position by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
“She’s gonna have big problems,” Trump said, mistakenly referring to the male general as a woman.
“We’re very much looking for leakers,” the president added, according to Fox News.
The remarks came as Pentagon officials confirmed that allegations against Sylvia had been referred to the Justice Department for potential legal action.
Pentagon General Accused Of Leaking Sensitive War Information
Sylvia served as director for strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a senior position responsible for coordinating military strategy and advising top defense leadership.
A Department of War official told Fox News that Sylvia was dismissed over allegations that he disclosed classified information to journalists concerning the ongoing Iran conflict, Russia’s war in Ukraine, and other sensitive national security matters.
The official also alleged that Sylvia failed three polygraph examinations related to suspected unauthorized disclosures.
According to Fox News, Sylvia was additionally accused of meeting with journalists outside the Pentagon after Hegseth implemented restrictions requiring reporters to be escorted inside the building.
Those allegations remain under investigation, and no criminal conviction or independently established finding of wrongdoing has been reported.
Pentagon Confirms Investigation And Justice Department Referral
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell addressed the matter Thursday, saying the department had taken action following an extensive investigation.
“Following an extensive Air Force OSI investigation, the Department took necessary personnel action to protect sensitive information,” Parnell said in a statement reported by the Washington Examiner.
Parnell declined to identify Sylvia directly or disclose additional investigative details, citing the need to protect the integrity of the proceedings.
The Pentagon confirmed that the matter had been referred to the Justice Department for consideration of further legal action.
The referral does not establish that Sylvia committed a crime, and it remains unclear whether prosecutors will pursue charges.
Dismissal Comes At Sensitive Moment For U.S. Military
Sylvia’s removal comes as the Trump administration considers additional military operations against Iran.
The president has recently indicated that further strikes remain possible, while military officials have reportedly been preparing options for potential renewed action following the November midterm elections.
Sylvia’s former position, commonly referred to as the J5, plays an important role in coordinating strategic military planning and connecting Pentagon policy decisions with broader operational priorities.
However, a Pentagon official maintained that Sylvia was not a central planner for the Iran conflict, explaining that operational planning primarily falls under U.S. Central Command.
Before serving on the Joint Staff, Sylvia commanded the Army’s 101st Airborne Division and accumulated more than three decades of military experience.
His decorations include multiple Bronze Star Medals and a Purple Heart.
Latest Shake-Up Under Hegseth
Sylvia’s dismissal is the latest in a series of senior military leadership changes under Hegseth.
The Atlantic reported that numerous generals and admirals have been removed or replaced during his tenure, raising questions among some military officials about the pace and circumstances of the departures.
Sylvia is also the second officer removed from the Joint Staff’s top strategy and planning position under Hegseth.
The Joint Staff initially issued a statement thanking Sylvia for his 32 years of service before withdrawing it Thursday, saying the original language did not appropriately reflect the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Hegseth has made identifying unauthorized disclosures a priority at the Pentagon, including through internal investigations and expanded use of polygraph examinations.
