Pentagon Official Suspended After Criticizing Trump’s Administration

A senior official at the Pentagon has been put on administrative leave following a secretly recorded video where he criticized former President Donald Trump’s administration and its policies at the Department of Defense.

Right-wing activist James O’Keefe published a video on Wednesday featuring Brandon Newsom, a prominent figure in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, captured with a hidden camera. Newsweek has yet to independently authenticate the video.

In the video, Newsom expressed his intent to “stay and stick it out” at the Pentagon, stating his desire to eventually reverse the changes made by the Trump administration. He also labeled Trump as “a textbook narcissist” and described the conflict with Iran as “completely stupid” and driven by personal ego.

Acting Secretary of the Navy, Hung Cao, announced Newsom’s suspension. “The Department of the Navy regards the behavior depicted in this video with utmost seriousness. The kind of statements and apparent intention to exploit a position to counter policies and directives from our elected leaders are inappropriate and conflict with the standards required of Department staff,” Cao wrote on X. “Effective immediately, this individual is on administrative leave as we assess next steps to ensure accountability and safeguard the integrity of our mission.”

This is an ongoing situation. Further updates will be provided.