A senior Pentagon official is on administrative leave following a secret recording in which he criticized President Donald Trump’s administration. The video, released by activist James O’Keefe, reportedly captures Brandon Newsom, an official in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, making controversial remarks.

The footage, not independently verified by Newsweek, features Newsom expressing a desire to remain at the Pentagon. He stated his intention to “undo whatever’s been done” by the current administration. Newsom also labeled Trump as “a textbook narcissist” and criticized the Iran war as “completely stupid,” attributing it to “one man’s ego.”

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced Newsom’s suspension. Cao emphasized the seriousness of the conduct displayed in the video. He highlighted that such statements and intentions to counteract policies set by elected leaders are “inappropriate and incompatible” with the standards for Department personnel. “Effective immediately, this individual has been placed on administrative leave,” Cao posted on X, indicating further action to maintain accountability and mission integrity.

More updates on this developing story will follow as additional information becomes available.