U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan has unexpectedly resigned from his position, as announced by the Pentagon on Wednesday. This makes him the first military service head to leave during President Donald Trump’s second term and adds to a series of leadership changes within the defense sector.
The reason behind Phelan’s sudden departure, which occurred amid the U.S.-imposed blockade on Iranian ports and increased scrutiny on Tehran-linked vessels globally during a fragile ceasefire, was not disclosed. This event follows a trend of upheavals at the Pentagon, including the recent dismissal of Gen. Randy George, the Army’s top uniformed officer, by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
Beginning in February 2025, a wave of firings saw the removal of other prominent military figures such as Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Gen. Jim Slife. Additionally, President Trump ousted Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown Jr. from his position as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In a sudden turn of events, Phelan was seen addressing a large gathering just a day before his departure at the navy’s annual conference in Washington. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed Phelan’s immediate departure from the administration.
Acting as the new navy chief is Undersecretary Hung Cao, a former navy combat veteran with unsuccessful political campaigns in Virginia. Cao, endorsed by Trump in his 2024 Senate bid, criticized military policies on COVID-19 vaccines and diversity initiatives during his debate with Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine.
Phelan, who lacked prior military or civilian leadership roles in the navy before his appointment in late 2024, was known for his significant contributions to Trump’s campaign and his business background. The White House and Phelan’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comments.
As the navy faces ongoing challenges with multiple aircraft carriers deployed in the Middle East and a heightened focus on military operations against Iran, the appointment of Cao signifies a shift in leadership style within the navy. Cao’s experiences fleeing Vietnam as a child and his military background position him as a key figure in the navy’s strategic decisions moving forward.