The White House has expressed growing concerns regarding a Pentagon inquiry into a recent leak, which resulted in the firing of three high-ranking aides to Pete Hegseth, a prominent figure within the administration.

Advisers reportedly learned that the justification for the firings stemmed from claims of an alleged illegal warrantless wiretap conducted by the National Security Agency (NSA).

This assertion, which could suggest violations of constitutional principles, startled many within the White House.

Advisers soon deemed the wiretap claim to be unfounded, voicing criticism that Hegseth’s legal counsel, Tim Parlatore, was disseminating unreliable information while overseeing the investigation.

The investigation, centered on an alleged leak of a highly classified document detailing U.S. military options for reclaimed operations concerning the Panama Canal, has now entered its fourth week without revealing any significant new developments or leading to a referral to the FBI.

The internal fallout following the firings has created a palpable rift between the Pentagon and the White House.

Several advisers have privately expressed skepticism about the investigation's validity, suggesting that the accusations against the aides were possibly influenced by internal political maneuvering rather than substantiated evidence.

The aides dismissed for their alleged involvement include Dan Caldwell, Hegseth's senior adviser, who was escorted from the Pentagon alongside Darin Selnick, the former deputy chief of staff, and Colin Carroll, the chief of staff to the deputy defense secretary.

All three aides issued a joint statement denying wrongdoing.

Concerns from within the White House intensified after Caldwell appeared on a podcast, where he claimed that the investigation had taken a strategic turn, serving as a tool for promoting internal office politics rather than pursuing legitimate investigative interests.

Further uncertainty arose when rumors circulated that the Air Force's Office of Special Investigations (OSI) had identified the leaked document based on distinctive characteristics not found in its finalized version.

The implications of these rumors prompted the White House to request additional clarity from Parlatore regarding the evidence against Caldwell, specifically concerning his alleged use of personal technology to share classified information.

Initially, Parlatore resisted attempts to unveil the details of the investigation, emphasizing the potential inappropriateness of executive interference in an ongoing inquiry.

However, later assertions from Parlatore suggested the possibility of a wiretap on Caldwell’s phone, a claim he has since denied to associates, stating that any information disclosed came from higher officials at the Pentagon.

The ongoing investigation and the lack of clarity surrounding the wiretap allegations have placed further pressure on Hegseth, particularly as he prepares for an upcoming Senate hearing.

In the wake of these developments, Hegseth finds himself without a chief or deputy chief of staff, relying on senior advisers to maintain operations within the Department of Defense.

Although Hegseth’s junior military aide, Ricky Buria, has assumed some responsibilities typically held by a chief of staff, the White House has prohibited Hegseth from formally appointing him due to concerns regarding his experience.

The Pentagon has refrained from commenting on the evolving situation, while a spokesperson for the White House reiterated President Trump’s confidence in the leadership of the Department of Defense and its commitment to ensuring military readiness and effectiveness.