US Secretary of the Navy John Phelan has left his post with immediate effect, the Pentagon announced Wednesday. His abrupt departure marks the first time a head of a military service has left during President Donald Trump's second term and represents the second major leadership shake-up at the Pentagon during the ongoing war with Iran.
The exit comes amid a broader clear-out of senior military figures under the Trump administration. While the Pentagon provided no official explanation, Phelan was reportedly pushed out after butting heads with Pete Hegseth regarding the administration's focus on what has been dubbed a new U.S. Golden Fleet.
Trump-backed combat veteran Hung Cao will take over the position temporarily. The leadership change occurs as the United States remains locked in an unresolved conflict with Iran.