A senior Navy official was placed on administrative leave after an undercover recording reportedly captured him discussing efforts to delay President Donald Trump’s directives and eventually reverse his policies.
Brandon Newsom, whose Pentagon responsibilities included implementing executive orders affecting the US Navy, told undercover journalist James O’Keefe that officials in key positions could “slow-roll” Trump administration policies.
Newsom said he intended to remain in government so that, following a future change in administration, he could “undo whatever’s been done.”
Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced that Newsom had been placed on leave effective immediately. Cao said the apparent intention to use a government position to undermine policies established by America’s elected leaders was incompatible with the standards expected of Navy personnel. The department is now reviewing the matter and considering further disciplinary action.