• Significant leadership shake-ups at the Pentagon include multiple high-profile resignations, including former spokesperson John Ullyot, amidst ongoing investigations and internal turbulence.
• Controversial moves such as the removal of DEI content under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s tenure have sparked backlash and raised concerns about transparency.
• Broader leadership changes under the Trump administration, including removals of top officials, signal a major shift in the Pentagon’s direction and priorities.

A significant leadership shake-up is rocking the Pentagon, with multiple high-profile resignations and removals reshaping its inner circle. Former Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot was asked to step down this week, according to a senior defense official speaking to The Associated Press. His departure marks the latest in a string of changes under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s tenure and highlights ongoing turbulence within the Department of Defense.

Ullyot, a key hire for Hegseth’s communications team, played a pivotal role in shaping its approach to public relations. However, his tenure wasn’t without controversy. One of his most polarizing moves involved enforcing a directive to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) content across military platforms, a decision that faced public backlash. Notably, images of national icons like Jackie Robinson were temporarily taken down, sparking outrage.

More Departures Amid Pentagon Investigations

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Ullyot’s resignation is far from isolated. Three senior officials—Colin Carroll, Darin Selnick, and Dan Caldwell—were also removed from their roles this week. All were implicated in an ongoing investigation into unauthorized information leaks, though specifics of the leaks remain undisclosed. These officials were closely tied to Hegseth, with some having worked alongside him during his time at Concerned Veterans for America.

The Pentagon’s communications office has also undergone dramatic shifts, including reducing access for many news outlets and halting weekly press briefings. Critics argue these changes have hurt transparency. Meanwhile, Ullyot’s reassignment in March was reportedly tied to backlash over the DEI purge and what insiders describe as a mismanaged public response.

Ullyot Disputes Resignation Claims

In a statement to AP, Ullyot claimed his resignation had been planned, asserting he only intended to stay briefly to help launch the communications office. He also shared his resignation letter, calling claims that he was asked to resign “flat-out false and laughable.” However, a senior defense official familiar with the situation challenged this account, stating Hegseth’s office explicitly requested his departure.

Unlike Carroll, Selnick, and Caldwell, Ullyot’s resignation was reportedly unrelated to the leak investigation, according to sources speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the issue.

Broader Implications for Pentagon Leadership

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These resignations come amidst broader changes within the Defense Department during President Trump’s administration. High-level officials, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown and Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti, have also been removed, signaling significant shifts in leadership priorities.

The uncertainty surrounding these changes leaves many questioning the Pentagon’s future direction. For those of us who closely follow defense developments, this feels like an unprecedented period of turnover.

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