Joe Kasper, who served as the chief of staff under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is stepping down from his role but will continue as a Special Government Employee. This move comes amid a series of high-profile departures within the senior ranks of the Pentagon, triggered by a leak investigation and allegations of defamation. Hegseth is currently under the microscope for allegedly engaging in discussions about Yemen strikes using the encrypted messaging app Signal. Despite these controversies, the White House has voiced its backing for Hegseth.