(Web Desk) – US Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan was removed from his position with immediate effect on Wednesday, amid reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over shipbuilding reforms and his direct communication with President Donald Trump.
American news channel CNN quoted officials as saying that the decision followed a meeting between Trump and Hegseth, where concerns over delays in naval reforms led to a consensus that new leadership was required. Phelan was subsequently asked to resign or face dismissal.
The sudden move comes at a sensitive time, as the US Navy is actively involved in enforcing restrictions on Iranian maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the departure, adding that Undersecretary Hung Cao will serve as Acting Navy Secretary.
“On behalf of the Secretary of War and Deputy Secretary of War, we are grateful to Secretary Phelan for his service to the Department and the United States Navy,” Parnell said in a post on X. “We wish him well in his future endeavors. Undersecretary Hung Cao will become Acting Secretary of the Navy.”
Sources said disagreements had persisted for months, with Hegseth dissatisfied over the pace of reforms and Phelan’s direct engagement with the president. The decision marks the first removal of a military service secretary under the current administration.