Pentagon Removes Defense Policy Board Website After Carlson Interview

The Pentagon has removed the Defense Policy Board's website following criticism from Dan Caldwell, a recently fired aide to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, during an interview with Tucker Carlson. Caldwell, who was terminated amid a Defense Department leak investigation, suggested that board members including former Biden aide Susan Rice were potentially responsible for leaks. The website's removal occurred shortly after Caldwell's interview was posted online.

The Defense Policy Board, an independent advisory group without direct authority, has experienced significant membership changes in recent years. The Trump administration replaced numerous members in November 2020, installing loyalists such as Newt Gingrich. When the Biden administration took office, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin removed all members and eventually appointed new figures from both Democratic and Republican backgrounds. The board reportedly has not met since June of the previous year.

Caldwell's dismissal comes amid broader personnel changes at the Defense Department under Secretary Hegseth. During his interview, Caldwell portrayed himself as caught in a conflict between those advocating military action against Iran and those skeptical of foreign military interventions. His claims about board members potentially leaking information were later amplified by former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn on social media.

The Pentagon has not clarified whether board members have been removed or only their online presence has been affected. When questioned earlier in the week, a Pentagon spokesperson had told Responsible Statecraft that the board membership list was current. The situation highlights ongoing tensions within the Defense Department as the Trump administration implements personnel changes across federal agencies.

The Defense Policy Board has historically included prominent foreign policy figures from both political parties. Prior to its website's removal, the board included figures associated with previous administrations, including Susan Rice from the Obama and Biden administrations and Eric Edelman who served under President George W. Bush. Caldwell suggested that board membership provided credentials and Pentagon affiliation that could potentially facilitate information leaks.