To Rise in Hegseth’s Pentagon, An Admiral Relied on Politics

By the Editorial Team · Monday, July 27, 2026

Admiral Daryl Caudle offered assistance to Pete Hegseth during his Senate confirmation process for Secretary of Defense, actions that raised concerns about breaches of military neutrality and ethics. This controversy gained attention following Hegseth's dismissal of the Navy’s first female Chief of Naval Operations and subsequent questionable contacts between Caudle’s staff and Hegseth’s team, highlighting tensions over political influence in military leadership.

Admiral Daryl Caudle, seeking to secure the Navy’s top leadership role last year, engaged in actions that raised questions about adherence to military ethics, according to current and former defense officials. Prior to Pete Hegseth’s confirmation as Secretary of Defense, Admiral Caudle, then leading a significant Navy training command, offered assistance to Hegseth in preparing for his politically charged Senate confirmation hearings. Such overtures are generally viewed as breaches of military protocol, which require senior officers to maintain strict neutrality and avoid any appearance of partisan involvement.

While Caudle’s offer did not result in direct collaboration, the sequence of events following Hegseth’s appointment has drawn further scrutiny. Shortly after assuming office, Hegseth dismissed the first woman to serve as the Chief of Naval Operations, who was Admiral Caudle’s superior at the time. This decision marked a significant leadership shift in the Navy’s hierarchy.

In addition, days after this dismissal, a senior officer from Admiral Caudle’s staff reportedly reached out to members of Hegseth’s team. This contact was characterized by officials as another breach of established military protocols governing political impartiality and conduct within the armed forces.

Defense officials emphasized that senior military leaders are expected to avoid partisan activities to preserve the nonpolitical nature of the armed services and maintain the confidence of both civilian leadership and the broader military community. The interactions involving Admiral Caudle and Hegseth’s office have prompted concerns about the blending of military roles with political agendas during a critical period of leadership transition.

Neither Admiral Caudle nor Secretary Hegseth has publicly commented on these reports. The Pentagon has not confirmed any formal investigations related to the matter. The developments highlight ongoing tensions regarding the relationship between military leadership and political appointees within the Department of Defense.

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