Caught on Camera: Pentagon Official's Shocking Remarks Lead to Sudden Departure

A top Pentagon official who was secretly filmed criticizing President Donald Trump is no longer working at the Department of the Navy, according to the civilian head of the department.

Brandon Newsom was placed on administrative leave earlier this week after footage emerged appearing to show Newsom calling Trump a "narcissist" and vowing to reverse several of the current administration's policies within the Pentagon.

Newsom, who is described as the former head of business operations for the Department of the Navy, was recorded by right-wing activist James O'Keefe, who published the clips online.

"The individual is no longer employed by the Department of the Navy," acting Secretary of the Navy, Hung Cao, said in a brief statement on Sunday.

It's not clear whether Newsom voluntarily left his position or whether he was fired. The Pentagon referred queries on Newsom's departure to the U.S. Navy, which has been contacted for comment.

O'Keefe released the hidden-camera footage on July 22, which purportedly showed Newsom saying he hoped to "stay and stick it out" at the Pentagon "so that way, when the time comes, I can undo whatever's been done" by the Trump administration.

Under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Trump administration has pledged to purge "woke" values it said had become instilled in the Pentagon and U.S. military, including stripping away Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) programs.

Hegseth has reportedly blocked a string of promotions and has overseen several high-profile departures from the military's top ranks, including Admiral Lisa Franchetti—the first woman to lead the U.S. Navy—and the U.S.' former top soldier, General C.Q. Brown.

He has railed against "fat" generals and argued female soldiers shouldn't be allowed to serve in combat roles, with former and current officials warning the military's top lawyers—who check orders handed down to soldiers are lawful—have been sidelined.

Hegseth, who frequently points to his own Christian faith, last year introduced voluntarily monthly prayer sessions at the Pentagon.

Newsom appeared to discuss policies he said conflicted with his personal values, including religious services at the Pentagon and changes affecting some federal employees.

Newsom appeared to refer to Trump as "a textbook narcissist," deeming the ongoing war with Iran "completely stupid" and "driven by one man's ego."

Newsweek has not been able to independently verify the recording.

After the recording became public, Cao said Newsom had been placed on administrative leave "effective immediately."

"The Department of the Navy takes the conduct shown in this video extremely seriously," Cao added. "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."

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Daniel Orton and Tony Phillips

Update 7/26/2026, 11: 37 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.