U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan is stepping down from his position, as announced suddenly 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 string of high-profile departures in the defense sector.
The reason behind Phelan’s unexpected exit as the navy’s top civilian official was not disclosed. This development coincides with the U.S. imposing a blockade on Iranian ports and targeting vessels associated with Tehran globally amid a fragile ceasefire in the conflict.
Phelan’s removal is part of a series of changes at the Pentagon, following the recent firing of Gen. Randy George, the Army’s top uniformed officer, by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Hegseth has also ousted several other senior military figures and defense leaders since assuming office last year.
The shakeups started in February 2025, with Hegseth removing key military figures including Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the navy’s top uniformed officer, and Gen. Jim Slife, the Air Force’s second-in-command. Additionally, Trump dismissed Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown Jr. as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The sudden nature of Phelan’s departure was highlighted as he engaged in public events just a day before, addressing sailors and industry professionals at the navy’s annual conference in Washington. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed Phelan’s immediate departure from the administration.
Replacing Phelan as the acting navy secretary is Undersecretary Hung Cao, a 25-year navy combat veteran who previously ran unsuccessful political campaigns for the U.S. Senate and House in Virginia.
Phelan, who lacked prior military service or civilian leadership roles within the navy before his nomination by Trump in late 2024, was known for his significant contributions to Trump’s campaign and his involvement with Spirit of America, a nonprofit supporting Ukraine and Taiwan’s defense efforts.
Phelan’s exit occurs amidst heightened navy activities, including multiple aircraft carriers deployed or en route to the Middle East and ongoing operations in the Caribbean. The Trump administration has signaled readiness across all armed forces to resume combat operations against Iran if the current ceasefire collapses.