US Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving the Trump administration, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday. His departure will be effective immediately, according to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell. Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will serve as acting secretary following Phelan's resignation.
This departure marks the latest in a string of high-profile exits from military leadership roles amid ongoing tensions stemming from the US-Israel conflict with Iran, particularly regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Parnell expressed gratitude for Phelan's service, wishing him well in future endeavors, although the Navy did not specify reasons for his resignation.
Phelan's departure follows the request by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for Army Chief of Staff Randy George to step down. Several other top military officials have faced similar removals under Hegseth's command, who has discharged numerous senior officers since taking office.
In an administrative role, the Secretary of the Navy is responsible for policy formulation, recruitment, training, budgeting, and logistics pertaining to the Navy. Phelan, a civilian businessman, was appointed by Trump in 2024 and had recently been involved in initiatives like the controversial proposed 'Golden Fleet'.
Cao, Phelan's successor, has a military background as a 25-year Navy veteran and has previously run for Senate, hallmarked by his outspoken criticism of current military diversity initiatives. As the transition occurs, the US blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect, with the situation in the Strait of Hormuz continuing to present a significant geopolitical challenge.
This departure marks the latest in a string of high-profile exits from military leadership roles amid ongoing tensions stemming from the US-Israel conflict with Iran, particularly regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Parnell expressed gratitude for Phelan's service, wishing him well in future endeavors, although the Navy did not specify reasons for his resignation.
Phelan's departure follows the request by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for Army Chief of Staff Randy George to step down. Several other top military officials have faced similar removals under Hegseth's command, who has discharged numerous senior officers since taking office.
In an administrative role, the Secretary of the Navy is responsible for policy formulation, recruitment, training, budgeting, and logistics pertaining to the Navy. Phelan, a civilian businessman, was appointed by Trump in 2024 and had recently been involved in initiatives like the controversial proposed 'Golden Fleet'.
Cao, Phelan's successor, has a military background as a 25-year Navy veteran and has previously run for Senate, hallmarked by his outspoken criticism of current military diversity initiatives. As the transition occurs, the US blockade of Iranian ports remains in effect, with the situation in the Strait of Hormuz continuing to present a significant geopolitical challenge.
