Navy Secretary Is Out, 'Effective Immediately'

The Pentagon announced Wednesday that Navy Secretary John Phelan, the branch's top civilian, is leaving the Trump administration "effective immediately." No reason was given, CNBC reports. Defense Department spokesperson Sean Parnell made the announcement on on X, saying the administration is "grateful to Secretary Phelan for his service to the Department and the United States Navy" and wishing him well in his "future endeavors." Hung Cao, a Navy veteran who is now undersecretary, will fill the role in an acting capacity, Parnell said.

On Tuesday, Phelan addressed a large crowd of sailors and industry professionals at the Navy's annual conference in Washington, DC, and spoke with reporters about his agenda, per the AP. Phelan, a major donor to President Trump's campaign, had no experience with the military before he was nominated for the role in late 2024. He leaves with the Navy imposing a blockade on Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit point for global oil shipments that has become a focal area in the Iran war.

The dismissal is another reflection of the rocky relationship between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and some top military officials, per the Wall Street Journal. Phelan and Hegseth have been at odds for months, with top officials especially annoyed last fall when Phelan took his idea for a new battleship directly to Trump. Earlier this month, Hegseth forced out Gen. Randy George, the Army's top officer.