The Pentagon has confirmed that Navy Secretary John C. Phelan has resigned from his position, effective immediately. Spokesman Sean Parnell acknowledged Phelan’s departure but did not provide further details regarding the reason behind it.
“Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan is departing the administration, effective immediately. 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 announced. Undersecretary Hung Cao will assume the role of Acting Secretary of the Navy immediately.
This position includes leading the Department of the Navy, which encompasses both the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
Phelan, a businessman and political donor without prior military experience, was nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate last March with a 62-30 vote. Throughout his brief 13-month term, he focused on shipbuilding initiatives and enhancing efficiency, aligning closely with Trump’s objectives.
🚨 JUST IN: Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan is IMMEDIATELY stepping down from his position, Pentagon says — HUNG CAO is taking over as Acting Secretary
Wow 👀
“On behalf of the Secretary of War and Deputy Secretary of War, we are grateful to Secretary Phelan for his… pic.twitter.com/n7l9y2c7jq
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 22, 2026
His resignation is part of a trend of leadership changes at the Pentagon, occurring as the Navy engages in ongoing operations, including a significant blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
In recent weeks, War Secretary Pete Hegseth has implemented further leadership shifts among high-ranking military personnel. On April 2, Hegseth requested the immediate retirement of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, ending his tenure prematurely. Similarly, the Pentagon also removed Gen. David Hodne, commander of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command, along with Maj. Gen. William Green Jr., the Army’s chief of chaplains.
No extensive explanations have been made available to the public regarding these transitions. Previous adjustments have led to the dismissal of other senior military leaders, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
This latest shakeup coincides with President Trump’s indefinite continuation of the ceasefire with Iran, announced just a day prior, just ahead of a looming expiration deadline. The Navy’s blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is set to maintain until a sustainable peace agreement is established.
