WASHINGTON — Defense Department officials confirmed Wednesday that Navy Secretary John Phelan has stepped down from his position, marking another significant change in military leadership.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell released a statement on social media confirming that Phelan was “departing the administration, effective immediately.”
Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao has been named as the interim Navy secretary, according to Parnell’s announcement.
The timing of Phelan’s exit is notable, occurring just one day following his participation at the Navy’s yearly conference in Washington, D.C., where he spoke to numerous sailors and defense industry representatives and discussed his priorities with members of the media.
This latest leadership change follows a series of similar departures in recent weeks, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s dismissal of Army’s top commander, Gen. Randy George. Hegseth has removed multiple high-ranking generals, admirals and other defense officials since assuming his role last year. Similar to previous dismissals, Pentagon representatives have not provided specific reasons for Phelan’s exit.
The departure occurs during a critical period as the U.S. Navy maintains a blockade against Iranian ports and continues operations against Tehran-linked vessels globally amid an unstable ceasefire in the Iran conflict.
Prior to President Donald Trump’s nomination of him for the Navy secretary position in late 2024, Phelan lacked both military service experience and previous civilian leadership roles within the armed forces.
Phelan contributed significantly to Trump’s campaign and established the private investment company Rugger Management LLC. His military-related experience primarily came through an advisory role with Spirit of America, a nonprofit organization supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts and Taiwan’s security.
Attempts to contact Phelan’s office for comment were unsuccessful.
Cao previously mounted an unsuccessful 2024 Senate campaign in Virginia against Democratic incumbent Tim Kaine. Trump endorsed Cao during the competitive Republican primary race.
A Navy veteran with 25 years of service including combat deployments, Cao’s personal story includes escaping Vietnam with his family during the 1970s. During his Senate campaign, he drew parallels between Vietnam’s communist government during the Cold War era and President Joe Biden’s administration.
“We are losing our country,” Cao stated in a campaign video that criticized Biden for the criminal charges against Trump and featured images of border crossings and retail thefts. “You know it. But you also know that you can’t say it. We’re forced to say that wrong is right. We’re forced to lie.”
