US Navy chief leaving post 'effective immediately', Pentagon says
John Phelan is leaving his post as US Navy Secretary "effective immediately," according to a Pentagon announcement on Wednesday. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said this in a social media post. Parnell also wrote, "On behalf of the Secretary of War and Deputy Secretary of War, we are grateful to Secretary Phelan for his service to the Department and the United States Navy," and "We wish him well in his future endeavours." The Navy did not provide a reason for Phelan's departure.
Hung Cao will serve as acting secretary. Phelan was sworn in as Secretary of the Navy in March 2025 after being nominated by President Donald Trump in 2024. He was a major donor to Trump's campaign. Andrew Peek said, "Eventually, somebody was going to take the fall for the lack of movement on that. I would bet that's about 30% of this," and "70% - Phelan's replacement is very well known to the MAGA base, I would bet it's a simple replacement with someone he likes and trusts better."
Cao became undersecretary in October 2025 and is a 25-year Navy veteran. He ran an unsuccessful campaign for the US Senate in Virginia in 2024, endorsed by Trump, against incumbent Democratic Senator Tim Kaine. During a campaign debate, Cao said, "What we need is alpha males and alpha females who are going to rip out their own guts, eat them and ask for seconds. Those are the young men and women that are going to win wars," the AP reported.
Quick Summary
The US Navy Secretary is departing the Trump administration, according to a Pentagon announcement. This change in leadership occurs during a tense time- raising questions about the future direction of the Navy.
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