The Pentagon confirmed that Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving his job effective immediately. Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will become acting Secretary of the Navy, according to the Pentagon announcement.
According to reports, Phelan's departure occurs amidst an ongoing Iran war, which began with joint U.S. and Israeli strikes and has led to a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
Conflicting reports have emerged about the circumstances of Phelan's departure. Reuters reports that Phelan was fired by the Pentagon. Sources familiar with the situation told Reuters that Phelan was fired due to a growing rift with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over disagreements about authority and orders.
The specific reason for Phelan's departure as stated by Pentagon officials has not been disclosed. It is unknown whether Phelan was contacted for comment on his departure. The exact nature of the disagreements between Phelan and Defense Secretary Hegseth also remains unclear.
According to reports, Phelan had not served in the military nor had a civilian leadership role in the service before Donald Trump nominated him for secretary in late 2024.
Reports indicate Phelan was a major donor to Trump's campaign and founded the private investment firm Rugger Management LLC.
Acting Secretary Cao ran a failed US Senate bid in Virginia to try to unseat Democratic Senator Tim Kaine in 2024 and had Trump's endorsement in the Republican primary, according to reports.
Reports indicate Cao is a 25-year navy veteran who served in combat zones and fled Vietnam with his family as a child in the 1970s.
The White House denies reports that the extended ceasefire between the US and Iran is expiring in a few days. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the president has not set a deadline and ultimately it is he who decides.
According to reports, Phelan's departure is the second high-level personnel change at the Pentagon in recent weeks, following the earlier resignation of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George.
The impact of Phelan's departure on the ongoing naval blockade and Iran war operations remains uncertain. The timeline for appointing a permanent Navy Secretary is also unknown.
It is unknown whether Phelan was contacted for comment on his departure. The Pentagon has not released an official statement beyond confirming the personnel change.