In a sudden and shocking move, Defense Department Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Navy Secretary John Phelan.
The sudden move has sent shockwaves through the Pentagon as Phelan’s firing is the latest in a series of dismissals of US military leadership amid the ongoing US-Israeli war over Iran.
The dismissal comes at a critical moment as the US Navy continues to enforce a high-level naval blockade of Iranian ports despite a fragile ceasefire.
The Pentagon confirmed the exit late Wednesday, saying Phelan was “leaving the administration effective immediately.”
While the official statement remained brief, insiders report that the firing followed months of infighting.
Sources say that Phelan clashed with Hegseth over the slow pace of ship construction and disagreements over military leadership.
Although the Pentagon gave no official reason for the dismissal, reports indicated that the decision was linked to internal disputes, including tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Phelan’s removal is part of a broader pattern of dismissals and restructuring within the U.S. military under the administration of President Donald Trump — including the current war.
Additionally, Phelan was reportedly subject to an ethics investigation, which could have weakened his position in the administration.
Undersecretary of the Navy Hung Kao, who was also reported to have had a difficult relationship with Phelan, became acting secretary.
Cao, 54, is a 25-year Navy veteran who previously ran as the Republican candidate for the US Senate and House of Representatives in 2022 and 2024, respectively, but was unsuccessful on both occasions.
Who is John Phelan:
As the top civilian officer of the U.S. Navy, Phelan had a variety of responsibilities, including overseeing recruiting, mobilization, and organizing, as well as the construction and repair of ships and military equipment.
Despite not having prior military or defense leadership experience, he was appointed as Trump’s political aide in 2024.
according to reuters Phelan, 62,’s tenure at the news agency soon became controversial.
He faced criticism for moving too slowly on shipbuilding reforms and for strained relations with key Pentagon figures, including Hegseth and his deputy Steve Feinberg.
Before entering government, Phelan was a businessman and investment executive as well as a major Republican donor and fund-raiser – a background that is fairly common among Trump appointees and advisers.
