Brandon Newsom, a senior Pentagon official, is no longer employed by the Department of the Navy. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced the news Sunday without stating whether Newsom was fired, resigned, or left by other means. The decision follows recent events involving Newsom.
Newsom was placed on administrative leave after footage emerged showing him criticizing President Donald Trump. The footage, released by conservative activist James O’Keefe, shows Newsom discussing attempts to reverse Trump administration policies. Newsweek has not independently confirmed the authenticity of the recording.
In the video, Newsom expressed his intent to remain at the Pentagon to counteract what he described as unfavorable changes made by the Trump administration. He criticized Pentagon policies on religious services and changes affecting federal employees, which he felt clashed with his personal values. Additionally, Newsom labeled Trump a “textbook narcissist” and described tensions with Iran as “completely stupid” and influenced by Trump’s ego.
“The Department of the Navy takes the conduct shown in this video extremely seriously,” wrote Cao on X. “Such statements and apparent intent to leverage a position to undermine the policies and direction set by our elected leaders are inappropriate and incompatible with the standards expected of Department personnel.”
This story is developing and will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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