Navy Secretary John Phelan is resigning from his position, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday. He is the first military service leader to step down during President Trump’s second term, joining other top defense leaders who have also left their positions recently.
No explanation was given for Phelan’s sudden departure, which comes amid the Navy’s enforcement of a blockade on Iranian ports and targeting of ships connected to Tehran worldwide. Undersecretary Hung Cao, a 25-year Navy veteran and unsuccessful political candidate, is stepping in as the acting head of the Navy.
Phelan’s exit is part of a larger trend of leadership changes at the Pentagon, following the firing of several top military officials by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. These dismissals began in February 2025 and have included high-ranking officers from various branches of the military.
Phelan, a significant donor to Trump’s campaign, had limited military experience before his nomination as Navy Secretary in late 2024. He had founded an investment firm and had advisory roles related to military support initiatives. The details of Phelan’s resignation were not immediately available.
Cao, the incoming acting Navy Secretary, previously ran for political office in Virginia and has a background in military service and academic achievements. He has been vocal about his opposition to certain military policies and programs, aligning with the views of Trump and Hegseth.
The Navy, under new leadership, faces ongoing operations in the Middle East and the Caribbean, where tensions with Iran and drug-related activities are priorities. The future of the Navy’s mission under Cao’s leadership remains to be seen as the situation continues to evolve.
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