On October 30, 2026, Secretary Hegseth fired Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, the J-5 on the Joint Staff, after an inquiry found he failed three polygraph tests and leaked classified information to reporters. The leaks concerned depleted Patriot and THAAD stockpiles tied to Iran and Ukraine, a shortfall a Pentagon Inspector General report confirmed. The case and the leak investigation are being referred to the Justice Department. Two officials told The Times that Sylvia denies sharing any sensitive or classified information. It remains open whether prosecutors will take up the referral.