WASHINGTON, D.C., April 22, 2026 U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan has left the Trump administration effective immediately, the Pentagon announced Wednesday, marking the latest departure among top defense officials under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Phelan’s abrupt exit comes just a day after he addressed sailors and industry leaders at the Navy’s annual conference in Washington, D.C., where he outlined his agenda for the service. His departure follows weeks of upheaval in Pentagon leadership, including the firing of Army Gen. Randy George by Hegseth, who has dismissed several high-ranking military officials since taking office last year.
Hung Cao, the Navy Undersecretary and a 25-year combat veteran, will serve as acting Secretary of the Navy. Cao, who ran an unsuccessful Trump-endorsed Senate campaign in Virginia against Democrat Tim Kaine in 2024, brings military experience that Phelan lacked.
Leadership Shakeup Continues Under Hegseth
Phelan’s exit is part of a broader pattern of leadership changes under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Since assuming his role last year, Hegseth has removed multiple top generals, admirals, and defense officials, including the recent dismissal of Gen. Randy George, the Army’s highest-ranking officer.
The Pentagon has not provided a reason for Phelan’s departure, which was announced without prior public indication. Phelan, a major donor to Trump’s campaign and founder of private investment firm Rugger Management LLC, had no prior military or civilian defense experience before his nomination in 2024. His tenure coincided with heightened naval operations, including a blockade of Iranian ports and targeting of ships linked to Tehran during a fragile ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.