In a stunning development that underscores the deep-rooted political bias embedded within certain corners of the federal bureaucracy, Nicolas Turza, a Department of Defense Branch Chief, has resigned following the release of explosive undercover footage by the O’Keefe Media Group.
Captured on hidden camera, Turza was recorded launching scathing attacks against President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. In the footage, Turza called President Trump “illegitimate” and accused him of “setting us down a path of dictatorship.” He vowed openly, “We’re going to resist him. Everything he does.”
BREAKING: O’Keefe Media reporting Nicolas Turza, Branch Chief, has RESIGNED from his position at the Pentagon after we caught him on hidden camera saying he will ‘resist Trump, everything he does.’ https://t.co/VvFrkJjViO
— James O’Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) April 24, 2025
Turza’s unguarded comments revealed a shocking level of partisan hostility from a senior Defense Department official — an individual expected to remain impartial and serve the Commander-in-Chief, regardless of personal political beliefs. Instead, Turza admitted to harboring open resistance against the very administration he was professionally obligated to support.
His disdain wasn’t limited to President Trump. Turza also disparaged Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, attacking his qualifications and leadership. “Ultimately, [Hegseth] is my boss. But this is insane,” Turza lamented. “Like, nobody I know should be the Secretary of Defense.” He derided Hegseth as “insanely young” and belittled his military experience, dismissing his service with the DC National Guard.
DRAINING THE DEEP STATE: DoD Branch Chief Calls President Trump “Illegitimate,” Vows to “Resist Him, Everything He Does,” Claims Pete Hegseth Is “Insanely Young” and Unfit to Lead: “Nobody I Know Should Be the Secretary of Defense”
“The same guy who tried to overthrow an… pic.twitter.com/rSU9Od5l6j
— James O’Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) April 23, 2025
In a particularly revealing moment, Turza declared that under Trump’s leadership he felt less patriotic, an admission that betrays the deep ideological fractures within the Defense Department’s ranks.
Ironically, when reached for comment, Secretary Hegseth said he had never even heard of Nicolas Turza — a reminder of how little importance the Branch Chief’s personal opinions hold against the broader mission of national defense.
The footage from James O’Keefe’s team has once again exposed the troubling reality that a cadre of unelected bureaucrats see it as their duty not to serve under elected leadership, but to actively undermine it. Turza’s resignation was inevitable once his remarks became public, but the damage to the reputation of impartial public service remains.
NEW: Laura Loomer reporting Pete Hegspeth has SEEN today’s video of branch chief
Department of Defense officials are handling the situation…. https://t.co/6vp9duAdMa
— James O’Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) April 23, 2025
