Pentagon senior official Brandon Newsom suspended after hidden‑camera comments on Trump

Brandon Newsom, a senior official in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, was recorded by investigative journalist James O'Keefe using a hidden camera. In the undercover video Newsom called President Donald Trump a “narcissist,” described the war in Iran as “completely stupid,” and said he intended to stay at the Pentagon until Trump left office so he could “undo whatever’s been done.” He also criticized the department’s monthly voluntary Christian prayer service and suggested a more inclusive approach.

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced that Newsom has been placed on administrative leave while the Department of the Navy reviews the matter. Cao said the conduct shown in the video is “inappropriate and incompatible with the standards expected of Department personnel,” and that the Navy will determine next steps to ensure accountability and protect the integrity of its mission.