A senior U.S. Army official has been placed on administrative leave after an undercover video captured him discussing sensitive national‑security matters, including nuclear launch procedures, U.S. chemical‑weapons stockpiles, and alleged corruption in Ukraine. The footage, released by journalist James O’Keefe’s media group, shows Andrew Hugg, the Army’s chief of chemical‑nuclear surety, speaking candidly about U.S. military capabilities and operations in a public setting. Hugg’s role involves safety oversight of nuclear and chemical weapons systems rather than command authority.
In the recording, Hugg described details of the U.S. nuclear posture, claiming that launch decisions could be made rapidly under certain conditions. He also stated that the United States maintains nerve agents in its arsenal and referenced an incident in which a U.S. Army chemist was allegedly exposed to a chemical agent. The official made controversial remarks about potential military action in Iran, suggesting that the country’s incoming supreme leader could face assassination if he did not alter his policies, and he appeared to dismiss civilian casualties in the region as collateral damage.
Hugg further claimed personal knowledge of corruption within the Ukrainian government, alleging that officials had misappropriated U.S. aid since the Obama administration to purchase luxury items and property abroad. “That government is so corrupt, they stole our money… they just stole it and bought houses, cars, like hundred‑thousand‑dollar cars,” he said in the video.
Following the release of the footage, an Army spokesperson confirmed that Hugg had been placed on administrative leave pending a thorough investigation. Unconfirmed reports suggest he was escorted from the Pentagon. The incident follows a pattern of undercover operations by O’Keefe’s organization targeting government personnel. In January, a Secret Service agent was placed on leave after similar hidden‑camera footage appeared to show him disclosing sensitive protection details.
O’Keefe’s methods have drawn criticism over the years, with detractors accusing him of selective editing and unethical reporting practices. He left Project Veritas in 2023 amid allegations of financial impropriety and has since launched a new media venture. The Army has not commented further on potential disciplinary measures or the scope of the investigation into the disclosures made in the recording.
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