Department of Defense Official Resigns After Undercover Video Surfaces

Nicolas Turza, a high-ranking official within the Department of Defense, has officially resigned from his post after being caught on undercover video making disparaging remarks about President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This event has sent shockwaves through the Pentagon and the broader political landscape.
The resignation was first reported by the OKeefe Media Group on April 24, 2025, which released the footage showing Turza expressing a desire to resist Trump, everything he does. In a striking moment captured on tape, Turza described President Trump as illegitimate and criticized Hegseths capabilities, calling him insanely young for his role as Secretary of Defense.
In the video, Turza voiced his strong opinions about the current political climate, stating, The same guy who tried to overthrow an election is just, like, truly setting us down a path of dictatorship. Hes illegitimate. Hes terribly immoral, breaking every norm. Were going to resist him. Everything he does. These comments reflect a significant level of division within the ranks of the Department of Defense regarding the current administration.
He further elaborated on his feelings of patriotism, saying, Im a very patriotic person, and Ive never been less patriotic. This statement indicates a deep conflict within himself, as he grapples with the implications of his role under an administration he openly disapproves of.
The video not only showcased Turzas criticisms of Trump but also included sharp remarks directed at Hegseth. Ultimately [Hegseth] is my boss. But this is insane. I actually know Pete Hegseth. And this is so crazy. Like, thats not a good reflection on me. Thats a bad reflection on Trump. Like, nobody I know should be the Secretary of Defense, he remarked, emphasizing his reservations about Hegseths qualifications.
Turza did not hold back on his assessment of Hegseths experience, stating, Like, hes insanely young to be the part, like, and he wasnt that high up in the military. He used to be in the DC National Guard. This sentiment raises questions about the criteria used for appointing individuals to key defense positions.
When pressed for his thoughts on Trump, Turza candidly stated, The worst thing about him is his utter lack of moral principle The second worst thing about him is how stupid he could be. These strong allegations highlight the growing discontent among some officials regarding Trumps leadership style and approach to governance.
In a reaction to the controversy, James OKeefe, the founder of the OKeefe Media Group, claimed that Hegseth was unaware of Turzas identity prior to the release of the video. This comment adds another layer to the unfolding drama within the Department of Defense.
As this situation continues to develop, it raises important questions about loyalty, professionalism, and the current state of political discourse within the federal government. Observers are left wondering how this incident will affect the relationship between the Department of Defense and the White House moving forward.
For those interested in the ongoing implications of this episode, James OKeefe shared the video on social media, urging viewers to watch the revealing footage that has since gone viral.