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

A senior Pentagon official has been suspended after being secretly filmed calling President Donald Trump a "textbook narcissist" and criticizing recent changes at the Department of Defense (DOD).

The Sting Operation

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

Key Statements from Newsom

In the recording, Newsom can be heard saying:

• He hopes to "stay and stick it out" at the Pentagon in the hopes that he can "undo whatever's been done [by the Trump administration]."
• When pressed on what he would undo, Newsom appeared to say that his work "challenges [his] morals."
• He opposed the monthly Christian prayer services started by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying he didn't think there should be "one specific prayer service." The services have been widely criticized for violating the First Amendment prohibition against establishing a state religion.
• He called Trump a "textbook narcissist."
• He described the Iran war as "completely stupid" and "driven by one man's ego."

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.

Republicans Targeting JD Vance, Sources Say

Republicans are trying to take down Vice President JD Vance, leaving him worried about his political future, according to a report from The Washington Post.

Coordinated Attacks

The Post reports that Vance is facing attacks online from within the GOP, with sources close to him claiming it's a planned "op" to hurt his prospects.

Vance has faced backlash in recent months over:

• His involvement in negotiations with Iran, which led to an already collapsed ceasefire agreement.
• Decisions that critics claim go against President Trump.

He is even being compared to Republican bogeymen like former President Obama and Senator Bernie Sanders.

Vance's Inner Circle Responds

Vance's inner circle believes the attacks are aimed at preventing his ascension to the GOP's 2028 nomination for president. Unnamed sources close to Vance complained to the Post that the criticism isn't genuine and comes from a planned "op."

However, Vance's allies are trying to spin the attacks, claiming that coordinated opposition from "establishment" and "neoconservative" Republicans could actually help him.

"Loud Washington establishment voices form an online cacophony," conservative commentator Steve Cortes told the Post, "but they do not remotely represent the consensus views of Republican voters."

Previous Controversies

Vance also took heat from many Republicans for criticizing Israeli opposition to the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding last month, even though his criticism didn't go that far. Those attacks were renewed earlier this month after Vance sat for an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, in which he said that paid influencers were attacking him in "dishonest ways."

"You know, my response to that is, 'Well, go to hell,'" Vance said to 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 leads 2028 Republican presidential primary polls ahead of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others, and even Trump seems to favor him as his successor. As the presidential election looms closer, Vance is expected to face more attacks and rival candidates will soon emerge.

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