Navy Secretary John Phelan Ousted in Latest Pentagon Leadership Shake-up Under Defense Chief Hegseth
The Pentagon confirmed Wednesday that Navy Secretary John Phelan is stepping down from his position, marking yet another high-ranking departure from the Defense Department under Secretary Pete Hegseth's leadership. The announcement came just days after Hegseth removed the Army's top officer, signaling continued upheaval in military command structure.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell disclosed in a social media statement that Phelan would be "departing the administration, effective immediately." The Navy undersecretary, Hung Cao, will assume the role of acting secretary.
Multiple sources indicate Phelan was dismissed rather than voluntarily resigning. Reuters reported, citing anonymous sources, that the Pentagon terminated Phelan's position. According to the New York Times, months of friction between Phelan and Defense Secretary Hegseth precipitated the removal, with additional tensions involving Hegseth's deputy, Stephen Feinberg, who reportedly objected to Phelan's management of shipbuilding programs.
The departure occurred abruptly, following Phelan's appearance at the Navy's annual conference in Washington DC the previous day, where he addressed a substantial gathering of sailors and industry leaders and outlined his administrative priorities to the press.
Phelan's exit represents the latest in a series of dismissals orchestrated by Hegseth. The Defense Secretary terminated Army General Randy George weeks earlier and has removed numerous senior military officers, generals, and admirals since assuming office last year. As with prior removals, Pentagon leadership provided no explanation for Phelan's termination.
The timing coincides with significant military operations, as the U.S. Navy has established a blockade of Iranian ports and is monitoring vessels with Tehran connections amid a fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict.
Phelan brought no military background to the position. Prior to Trump's nomination in late 2024, he had neither served in the armed forces nor held civilian leadership roles within military institutions. A substantial financial contributor to Trump's campaign, Phelan established the private investment firm Rugger Management LLC. His military exposure was primarily limited to an advisory position with Spirit of America, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting Ukraine and Taiwan's defense efforts.
Cao, assuming the acting secretary role, is a 25-year Navy veteran with combat experience. Born in Vietnam, he fled the country with his family during the 1970s. He pursued a U.S. Senate seat in Virginia in 2024 with Trump's backing, attempting to unseat Democratic Senator Tim Kaine in what proved to be an unsuccessful campaign.
The Associated Press was unable to reach Phelan's office for immediate comment.