Senior Pentagon Official Placed on Leave After Criticizing Trump Administration

A high-ranking Pentagon official is on leave after being filmed secretly criticizing President Donald Trump’s administration and its Department of Defense changes.

Right-wing activist James O’Keefe released footage reportedly capturing Brandon Newsom, a senior official in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, filmed with a hidden camera. Newsweek has not verified this footage independently.

In the video, Newsom expresses his intent to “stay and stick it out” at the Pentagon, mentioning, “so that way, when the time comes, I can undo whatever’s been done by the Trump administration.” He also labels Trump “a textbook narcissist,” referring to the Iran war as “completely stupid” and “driven by one man’s ego.”

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced Newsom’s suspension. Cao stated, “The Department of the Navy views the conduct in this video with utmost seriousness. 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.” Cao added, “Effective immediately, this individual is on administrative leave while we decide on further actions to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of our mission.”

This story is still developing. More updates will follow.