Navy Secretary John Phelan has left his position effective immediately, according to multiple reports. Hung Cao will serve as acting secretary, as announced by Defense Department spokesperson Sean Parnell.
Key Takeaways
Navy Secretary John Phelan has left his position effective immediately, with Hung Cao taking over as acting secretary. The departure follows recent firings of top military officials and occurs amid a tense ceasefire in the Iran war and U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports.
- Navy Secretary John Phelan departs effective immediately
- Hung Cao to serve as acting secretary
- Departure follows recent firings of top military officials
- Occurs amid tense ceasefire in Iran war and U.S. naval blockade
- Phelan had no prior military experience before appointment
The sudden departure comes just a day after Phelan addressed a large crowd at the Navy’s annual conference in Washington D.C., speaking about his agenda and engaging with reporters. This move follows recent firings of top military officials, including Army Chief of Staff Randy George, by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Pentagon did not provide an official reason for Phelan's departure, which occurs amid a tense ceasefire in the Iran war and ongoing U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. Phelan had no prior military experience before his appointment by President Donald Trump in March 2025. He is known as a major donor to Trump’s campaign and founder of private investment firm Rugger Management LLC.
Hung Cao, the Navy undersecretary who will take over as acting secretary, previously ran for Senate in Virginia but lost to Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine in 2024. He is a 25-year Navy veteran with combat experience and fled Vietnam with his family during the Cold War.
Phelan's departure marks another high-profile exit from the Trump administration, following recent departures of several top military officers and Cabinet secretaries. The Pentagon has seen significant leadership changes since Hegseth took office last year.
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