John Phelan steps down as US Navy chief effective immediately, Pentagon confirms

John Phelan has stepped down as US Navy secretary with immediate effect, the Pentagon confirmed on Wednesday, marking the latest high-level departure within the Trump administration.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the move would be “effective immediately” in a social media post, adding that Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will take over as acting secretary.

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"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. We wish him well in his future endeavors”, Parnell wrote.

No official reason was given for Phelan’s departure. His exit comes during heightened tensions in the Middle East, including the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports and clashes in the Strait of Hormuz.

Phelan, a civilian businessman and donor to President Donald Trump, was sworn in as Navy secretary in March 2025.

His role included overseeing policy, recruitment, training and the Navy’s budget and operations.

He is the latest senior military figure to leave in recent months, following a series of dismissals and leadership changes across the Pentagon.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has overseen the removal of several top officials, including senior Army leaders and naval officers.