The United States government has confirmed the sudden resignation of John Phelan as Secretary of the Navy, with his departure taking effect immediately, according to the Pentagon.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell disclosed the development on Wednesday, stating that Hung Cao will assume the role in an acting capacity.
No official reason has been provided for Phelan’s abrupt exit, which comes amid a broader wave of leadership changes within the US military under President Donald Trump.
The development follows a series of high-level shifts within the defence establishment. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is reported to have asked Army Chief of Staff Randy George to step down, while senior officers including David Hodne and William Green have also been removed from their positions.
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Since taking office, Hegseth has overseen the dismissal of more than a dozen senior military officials, including the Chief of Naval Operations and the Air Force’s Vice Chief of Staff, a move that signals a significant restructuring of military leadership.
The leadership changes come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, as well as disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.
Phelan, a civilian with no prior military background, was appointed Navy Secretary in March 2025 following his nomination in 2024. His sudden resignation has raised concerns about stability within the Pentagon as the United States navigates complex global security challenges.
