Navy Secretary John Phelan departs amid Pentagon leadership shakeup

WASHINGTON — Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving his job, the Pentagon abruptly announced this week. This marks the first head of a military service to depart during President Trump's second term, and it follows a series of high-profile exits from top defense leadership. No reason was given for Phelan's departure, which comes as the Navy imposes a blockade of Iranian ports and targets ships linked to Tehran during a fragile ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.

Undersecretary Hung Cao, a 25-year Navy combat veteran, will take over as acting head of the Navy. Phelan's exit follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's recent firings of several military leaders, including Gen. Randy George, the Army's top uniformed officer. Phelan had addressed a large crowd of sailors and industry professionals just days before his departure, indicating the suddenness of the move. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed Phelan's departure was effective immediately.

Phelan, a major donor to Trump's campaign, was seen as an outsider brought in to reform the Navy. His background included founding a private investment firm and serving in an advisory role for a nonprofit supporting Ukraine and Taiwan. The Navy is currently engaged in significant operations, with three aircraft carriers deployed in the Middle East and a heavy presence in the Caribbean.

Cao, who will step in as acting secretary, has previously run for Congress and has been vocal against the Biden administration's policies, particularly regarding military diversity and COVID-19 vaccine mandates. His appointment signals a continuation of Trump's influence in the Navy, as he has been endorsed by Trump and has criticized the current administration's military strategies.

Power Read: Phelan's departure highlights the ongoing instability within the Pentagon, as Trump and Hegseth continue to reshape military leadership to align with their strategic vision. The appointment of Hung Cao, who shares Trump's views on military culture and policy, suggests a consolidation of power among loyalists, potentially sidelining more moderate voices within the Navy. This shift could impact U.S. military operations, particularly in the Middle East, as the administration prepares for potential escalations against Iran.

What to watch: Monitor the Navy's operational readiness and strategic decisions in the Middle East as Cao assumes leadership and the Pentagon undergoes further restructuring.