US Navy official suspended after calling Trump a 'narcissist' in hidden-camera video

A senior Pentagon official has been suspended after being secretly filmed criticizing President Donald Trump and expressing concerns about changes at the Department of Defense.

Right-wing activist James O'Keefe—founder of the far-right Project Veritas, known for hidden-camera sting operations—published a video Wednesday showing Brandon Newsom, the director of business operations for the U.S. Navy, complaining about recent changes at the DOD.

Key Remarks from the Video

In the recording, Newsom:

• Expressed hope to "stay and stick it out" at the Pentagon so he could "undo whatever's been done [by the Trump administration]"
• Suggested his work "challenges [his] morals"
• Criticized the monthly Christian prayer services started by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying he didn't believe there should be "one specific prayer service"
• Called Trump a "textbook narcissist"
• Described the Iran war as "completely stupid" and "driven by one man's ego"

The Christian prayer services have been widely criticized for allegedly violating the First Amendment's prohibition against establishing a state religion.

Official Response

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced Wednesday that Newsom had been placed on administrative leave as the agency determines next steps.

"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," Cao wrote on X.

Related: Republicans Turn on JD Vance

The Washington Post reports that Vice President JD Vance is facing coordinated attacks from within the GOP, with sources close to him claiming it's a planned "op" to damage his political prospects.

Background on the Attacks

According to the Post, Vance has faced backlash over:

• His involvement in negotiations with Iran, which led to a collapsed ceasefire agreement
• Decisions that critics claim go against President Trump
• Comparisons to Republican figures like former President Obama and Senator Bernie Sanders

Vance's inner circle believes the criticism is aimed at preventing his ascension to the GOP's 2028 presidential nomination. Unnamed sources close to Vance told the Post the attacks are not genuine and come from a planned operation.

Defending Vance

Some allies are attempting to spin the attacks positively. Steve Cortes, a conservative commentator, told the Post:

"Loud Washington establishment voices form an online cacophony, but they do not remotely represent the consensus views of Republican voters."

Vance also faced criticism from Republicans for criticizing Israeli opposition to the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding last month. Those attacks intensified after Vance's interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, in which he said paid influencers were attacking him in "dishonest ways."

"You know, my response to that is, 'Well, go to hell,'" Vance told Rogan. "I'm going to do what I have to do for the American people. I represent Americans first, and that's the way that I've tried to do this job."

2028 Outlook

Vance currently leads 2028 Republican presidential primary polls ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others. Even Trump appears to favor him as his successor. As the presidential election approaches, Vance is expected to face increasing attacks and emerging rival candidates.

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