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

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Pentagon Official Suspended After Calling Trump a “Textbook Narcissist” in Hidden-Camera Video

Publication date: 2026-07-24

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).

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 changes at the DOD.

Key Remarks from the Video

• Newsom expressed hope to “stay and stick it out” at the Pentagon in order to “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.”
• Asked what he would change, Newsom criticized the monthly Christian prayer services started by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying he did not believe there should be “one specific prayer service.” The services have been widely criticized for violating the First Amendment prohibition against establishing a state religion.
• Newsom called Trump a “textbook narcissist” and 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 Turn on JD Vance, Raising Doubts About His Political Future

Republicans are reportedly trying to take Vice President JD Vance down, leaving him worried about his political future.

According to The Washington Post, Vance is facing attacks online from within the GOP. Sources close to him claim it is a planned “op” to hurt his prospects.

Background on the Attacks

• Vance has faced backlash in recent months over his involvement in negotiations with Iran, which led to a now-collapsed ceasefire agreement.
• Critics also claim he has made decisions that go against President Trump.
• He is being compared 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 that the attacks are not genuine and come from a coordinated “op.”

Defending Vance

Vance’s allies are attempting to spin the attacks, arguing that 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.”

Recent Controversies

Vance also drew criticism from many Republicans for criticizing Israeli opposition to the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding last month, though his criticism was limited. Those attacks were renewed earlier this month after Vance appeared on podcaster Joe Rogan’s show, where 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.”

Political 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 more attacks and rival candidates will soon emerge.

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