A senior official at the Pentagon has been placed on leave following the release of a controversial video. The video, shared by right-wing activist James O’Keefe, allegedly shows Brandon Newsom, an official from the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, making critical remarks about President Donald Trump’s administration and its changes to the Department of Defense. Newsweek has not confirmed the video’s authenticity independently.
In the footage, Newsom reportedly expresses his desire to remain in the Pentagon to ‘undo’ changes imposed by the Trump administration. Newsom describes Trump as ‘a textbook narcissist’ and criticizes the Iran conflict as ‘completely stupid’ and ‘ego-driven.’
Following the video’s release, Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced Newsom’s suspension. In a statement, Cao emphasized the serious nature of the conduct depicted in the video. He stated, “The Department of the Navy takes the conduct shown in this video extremely seriously. 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.” Newsom has been placed on administrative leave while the department reviews the situation to ensure accountability and maintain the integrity of its mission.
Updates on this developing story will be provided as more information becomes available.
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