US right-wing activist James O'Keefe released a video on 22/7, recorded with a hidden camera, showing a private conversation with Brandon Newsom, Director of Business Operations and Administrative Management in the Office of the US Secretary of the Navy.

In the video, Newsom stated he hoped to "stick around" at the Pentagon, with the aim of "reversing anything the Trump administration had implemented". Newsom also remarked that his work at the Pentagon "challenged his ethics".

Brandon Newsom in a video released by right-wing activist James O'Keefe. *Screenshot from video*

When asked what he would change, Newsom said he did not believe there should be "a specific prayer service", seemingly referring to the monthly prayer sessions initiated by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

Newsom also called Trump a "textbook narcissist" and described the Iran conflict as "completely stupid" and "driven by one man's ego".

Acting US Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao stated on 23/7 that Newsom was immediately suspended, while the agency determines further disciplinary actions.

"The Department of the Navy views the conduct displayed in this video as extremely serious", Hung Cao wrote on social media platform X. "Such statements and the clear intent to use one's position to undermine policies and directives set by elected leaders are inappropriate and incompatible with the standards expected of Department personnel".

US President Donald Trump speaks at a meeting of senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Virginia on 30/9/2025. *Photo: Reuters*

Under Secretary Hegseth, the Pentagon is undergoing a major overhaul. Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency Jeffrey Kruse was fired in 8/2025 after his agency's initial assessment indicated that US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities were less effective than the President had claimed.

In 4, three Pentagon officials, including Dan Caldwell, senior advisor to Secretary Hegseth, Darin Selnick, deputy chief of staff for the Pentagon, and Colin Carroll, chief of staff for Under Secretary of Defense Stephen Feinberg, were suspended during investigations into information leaks they deemed unfair.

Hoang Lan (According to Newsweek, Reuters)