Pentagon official fired after secretly filmed criticizing Trump

Brandon Newsom, former head of business operations for the Department of the Navy, is no longer employed after a hidden-camera video showed him criticizing President Trump.

Newsom was placed on administrative leave after footage released by activist James O'Keefe showed him calling Trump 'a textbook narcissist' and saying he would 'undo whatever's been done' by the administration.

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated the conduct was 'inappropriate and incompatible with the standards expected of Department personnel.'

The video was secretly recorded by right-wing activist James O'Keefe and published on July 22, 2026.

Newsom's exit is part of a wider Pentagon shake-up under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is removing DEI programs and top officials.