# Pentagon staffer placed on leave after anti‑Trump remarks > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pentagon-staffer-placed-on-leave-after-antitrump-remarks > Updated: 2026-07-30T13:57:19.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2. In late July 2026, Pentagon civilian 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 footage he labeled President Donald Trump a “textbook narcissist,” criticized U.S. policy toward Iran as “completely stupid,” and said he would stay at the Pentagon until the Trump administration ended so he could “undo whatever’s been done.” Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao responded by putting Newsom on administrative leave while the Department of the Navy conducted an internal review, describing the conduct as inappropriate and incompatible with department standards. The initial report on July 23 noted the suspension and pending disciplinary steps; a follow‑up on July 30 confirmed the leave, emphasized potential disciplinary action, and highlighted concerns about perceived disloyalty among career defense officials. Both pieces illustrate the rapid administrative response to the hidden‑camera disclosures and the broader scrutiny of Pentagon personnel comments on elected leadership. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-30: Pentagon Civilian Brandon Newsom Placed on Leave After Secret Camera Pentagon civilian Brandon Newsom, a 16‑year veteran, was caught on hidden camera saying he would stay to reverse Trump policies; Acting Secretary Hung Cao placed him on administrative leave. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pentagon-civilian-brandon-newsom-placed-on-leave-after-secret-camera ### 2026-07-23: Pentagon senior official Brandon Newsom suspended after hidden‑camera comments on Trump Pentagon senior official Brandon Newsom was put on administrative leave after a hidden‑camera video by James O’Keefe captured him calling President Trump a ‘narcissist’, criticizing the Iran war and saying he’d 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pentagon-senior-official-placed-on-leave-after-undercover-video-criticizes-trump --- Cite as: Pentagon staffer placed on leave after anti‑Trump remarks. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pentagon-staffer-placed-on-leave-after-antitrump-remarks