Navy Confirms Brandon Newsom No Longer Employed After Undercover Trump Video

Brandon Newsom, the former head of business operations for the Department of the Navy, is no longer employed by the department following the release of undercover video footage showing him criticizing former President Donald Trump. The announcement came Sunday from Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, who confirmed Newsom’s departure amid the controversy sparked by the secret recording.

Details of the Undercover Footage

The hidden-camera video was published online on July 22 by right-wing activist James O’Keefe. In the recording, Newsom is heard describing Trump as “a textbook narcissist” and expressing his intent to “undo whatever’s been done” by the Trump administration within the Pentagon. The footage also includes Newsom calling the ongoing conflict with Iran “completely stupid” and attributing it to “one man’s ego.”

Newsom appeared to criticize several Pentagon policies, including changes linked to religious services at the Pentagon and federal employee regulations, which he said conflicted with his personal values. His remarks came amid a broader political context of shifts in Pentagon leadership and policy under former Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, known for his conservative stances and efforts to roll back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

Department of the Navy’s Response

Following the video’s release, Newsom was placed on administrative leave, a move announced by Acting Secretary Hung Cao. By Sunday, Cao stated that Newsom was no longer employed by the department but did not clarify whether Newsom resigned voluntarily or was terminated. The Pentagon deferred additional questions to the Navy, which has not provided further comments.

Cao emphasized that the Department of the Navy takes such conduct seriously, describing Newsom’s statements and apparent plans to undermine elected officials’ policies as “inappropriate and incompatible with the standards expected of Department personnel.” This response reflects the department’s commitment to maintaining loyalty to the administration’s directives and upholding professional conduct among its civilian leadership.

Context: Pentagon Politics Under Trump and Hegseth

The controversy around Newsom’s statements is set against ongoing tensions within the Pentagon since the Trump administration, particularly under then-Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Hegseth, who has openly criticized what he terms “woke” culture in the military, has sought to eliminate DEI programs and has been involved in several high-profile personnel changes, including blocking promotions and overseeing the departures of top military leaders like Admiral Lisa Franchetti and General C.Q. Brown.

Hegseth’s policies and personal views, including his opposition to women in combat roles and his introduction of voluntary prayer sessions at the Pentagon, have sparked debate within military ranks and among civilian officials. Newsom’s remarks, exposing disagreements over these shifts, highlight the ongoing cultural and political challenges facing the Department of Defense.

Implications for Pentagon Leadership and Policy

The fallout from Newsom’s video raises questions about the stability and cohesion of civilian leadership within the Department of the Navy and the broader Pentagon. It underscores the sensitivity around political loyalty and the potential consequences for officials who openly criticize the administration’s policies, especially in a high-profile, security-sensitive environment.

As the Pentagon continues to navigate complex geopolitical challenges, including relations with Iran, the incident also reflects the internal divisions that can affect morale and policy implementation. For now, the Navy and the Pentagon remain tight-lipped about the specifics of Newsom’s departure and any future personnel changes.

Brandon Newsom’s exit marks a notable moment in the ongoing tensions between Pentagon officials and political leadership, spotlighting how political dynamics within the military’s civilian workforce can have broader implications for national defense governance.

Further updates are expected as the Department of the Navy and the Pentagon respond to this developing story.