Pentagon Official Dismissed After Secret Recording Criticizing Trump

A senior official at the Pentagon has been dismissed following the release of a secret recording where he criticized former President Trump. Brandon Newsom, previously the head of business operations for the Department of the Navy, expressed intentions to reverse Trump's policies. The footage, captured by activist James O'Keefe, revealed Newsom's discontent with various administration decisions, including military policies. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao stated that such conduct is incompatible with the standards expected from Department personnel. This incident highlights ongoing tensions within the military regarding political influences and policy changes.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 27, 2026, 00:01 IST

Dismissal of Senior Pentagon Official

A high-ranking official at the Pentagon has been terminated from his position following the release of a secretly recorded video in which he criticized former President Donald Trump. Brandon Newsom, who previously served as the head of business operations for the Department of the Navy, was placed on administrative leave earlier this week after footage surfaced showing him labeling Trump a "textbook narcissist" and expressing a desire to reverse certain policies implemented during Trump's administration.

This footage, captured by conservative activist James O'Keefe and made public on July 22, revealed Newsom's intentions to remain at the Pentagon to potentially undo the changes made by the Trump administration. He also voiced disapproval of various policies, including those related to religious services at the Pentagon and alterations affecting federal employees.

O’KEEFE UNDERCOVER: Senior Pentagon Director Caught On Hidden Camera: Spills On A “Gay” Date With O’Keefe That He WILL "Undo Whatever's Been Done [at the Pentagon]" After Trump Leaves Office To Reverse His Agenda…“I've seen some things. In true D.C. nature, you don't always… pic.twitter.com/JLkjO5ij2G
— James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) July 22, 2026

In the video, Newsom also criticized the ongoing conflict with Iran, describing it as "completely stupid" and motivated by personal ego. Under the leadership of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Trump administration has aimed to eliminate what it terms "woke" policies from the military, including the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Hegseth has overseen significant changes in military leadership, including the departure of Admiral Lisa Franchetti, the first woman to command the US Navy, and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown.

Following the video's release, Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao confirmed that Newsom was placed on administrative leave immediately. Cao emphasized that the Department of the Navy takes the conduct displayed in the video very seriously, stating, "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."