U.S. Navy Puts Senior Official on Leave After Undercover Video

James O’Keeffe strikes again with another undercover investigation. This time, a senior official at the Pentagon has been placed on administrative leave following the release of hidden camera footage.

The footage, recorded during a date with O’Keeffe on July 6, features the official, Brandon Newsom, who serves as the director of operations for the Office of the Secretary of the Navy. In it, Newsom appears to criticize President Trump and expresses a desire to reverse certain policy changes made during his administration.

In a clip shared on social media, Newsom, who oversees company operations, claims that recent changes question his ethics. “I want to stay here and get it done, so when the time comes, I can undo whatever I do,” he says, seemingly indicating a goal to overturn the current administration’s policies.

When asked about specific policies he’d like to change, Newsom, disguised in the video, does not give a direct answer but suggests concerns about prayer services being mandatory. These issues reflect a growing tension between independent religious efforts and the policies of the Trump administration.

Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United, has recently voiced frustrations about the pressure federal employees face to attend prayer services that seem linked to political agendas. Newsom, while advocating for inclusivity in prayer services, also expresses intent to lift some restrictions put in place by the administration.

In the video, Newsom admits that he feels his protections as an employee have been reduced and that he hopes certain policies are canceled. He acknowledges that, although he doesn’t have the authority to change policies himself, he believes he possesses some influence.

Moreover, he clarifies his wish to see “MAGA” policies repealed and suggests that bureaucratic delays are in place, preventing the full rollout of new initiatives. Newsom also describes Trump as a “textbook narcissist” and criticizes the rationale behind military actions.

Responding to the undercover footage, the Pentagon directed inquiries to the Navy, which quickly issued a statement indicating that the behavior displayed in the video was serious and inconsistent with the expected standards of conduct. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Kao stated that such conduct undermines the authority of elected leaders.

The official has been placed on administrative leave while an investigation is ongoing.