​'Effective immediately': Pentagon ousts Navy Secretary John Phelan, names Hung Cao acting chief

WASHINGTON, DC: Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan has been removed from his position, with Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirming that “John C. Phelan is departing the administration, effective immediately.”

Undersecretary Hung Cao, a retired Navy captain and former refugee, has been tapped to lead the branch as acting secretary effective immediately.

Pentagon announces Phelan’s departure as Navy secretary

The official announcement came via a post on X from Sean Parnell, who expressed formal gratitude for the outgoing secretary’s time in office.

“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. We wish him well in his future endeavors. Undersecretary Hung Cao will become Acting Secretary of the Navy."

Although the Pentagon provided no official reason for the exit, the sudden transition ends Phelan’s 13-month tenure, which began in March 2025 after the Florida-based businessman was confirmed by the Senate despite scrutiny over his lack of military background.

It is to be noted that Cao, who graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1996 and served 25 years in special operations, brings a deep operational background to the role at a time when the military is engaged in a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

Reports cite internal conflict and shipbuilding delays

According to CNN, multiple sources reported that tension had been building for months between Phelan and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The Defense Secretary reportedly felt Phelan was too slow in implementing shipbuilding reforms.

Furthermore, Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg reportedly intended to take control of shipbuilding and acquisitions, which are typically the Navy secretary’s responsibilities.

These issues reached a breaking point during a Wednesday meeting at the White House, where frustration over delays in naval production reportedly intensified.

President Donald Trump, also frustrated by the slow pace of progress, reportedly decided Phelan needed to be replaced by someone who would move more quickly. Trump is said to have told Hegseth to “take care of it,” leading to a message being sent to Phelan informing him he needed to resign or be fired.

Phelan seeks confirmation from Trump before exit

A White House official told CNN that Phelan initially doubted the president was aware of the directive to resign. Seeking clarity, he reached out to several White House contacts to verify the order and determine if Trump had personally authorized the demand.

It was around then that Parnell issued the statement confirming the leadership change. At least two White House staffers told Phelan the decision was Trump’s, but he still sought confirmation directly.

Following his arrival at the West Wing lobby, Phelan requested a meeting with the president to verify his status. According to the official, Trump granted a brief meeting during which he personally confirmed that Phelan had been relieved of his duties, bringing a sudden end to his tenure at the Pentagon.