John Fallon has resigned as US Navy secretary with immediate effect, the Pentagon confirmed on Wednesday, marking the latest high-level departure within the Trump administration.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a social media post that the move would be “effective immediately,” adding that Under Secretary of the Navy Hang Kao would take over as acting secretary.
“On behalf of the Secretary of War and the 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”, Parnell wrote.
No official reason was given for Phelan’s departure. His departure comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports and clashes in the Strait of Hormuz.
Phelan, a civilian businessman and donor to President Donald Trump, was sworn in as Navy secretary in March 2025.
His role included policy, recruitment, training, and oversight of the Navy’s budget and operations.
He is the latest senior military figure to leave in recent months, following several dismissals and leadership changes at the Pentagon.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has overseen the removal of several top officials, including senior Army leaders and Navy officers.
