Pentagon Civilian Brandon Newsom Placed on Leave After Secret Camera

Brandon Newsom, a 16‑year veteran of the Pentagon and Director of Business Operations in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, was recorded on a hidden camera stating he intended to remain in his post to "undo whatever’s been done" by the Trump administration once the political landscape shifted. He described the president as a "textbook narcissist" and criticized U.S. policy toward Iran, indicating personal disagreement would motivate him to use his influence to slow‑roll or reverse lawful directives.

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao responded by placing Newsom on administrative leave, calling for further disciplinary action and removal. The incident has been highlighted as an example of perceived disloyalty among career government employees, raising concerns about internal resistance to elected leadership within the Department of Defense.