US Secretary of Navy Phelan Unexpectedly Steps Down, Defense High Command Reshuffled Again
The US Department of Defense suddenly announced the departure of Navy Secretary John Phelan. This marks the first departure of a branch chief in Trump's second term, amid a series of personnel changes among top defense officials. Acting Secretary Hung Cao will take over.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 23, 2026 at 09:26
- 🔍 Collected: April 23, 2026 at 09:31 (5 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 23, 2026 at 12:19 (2h 48m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA, Washington, 22nd) The United States Department of War (Defense) unexpectedly announced today that Secretary of the Navy John Phelan will leave his post. He is the first branch chief to step down during Trump's second presidential term, but he is part of a recent string of resignations or dismissals among senior defense officials.
According to an AP report, no reason was given for the sudden departure of the highest civilian official in the U.S. Navy. This occurs at a time when the U.S. Navy is implementing a blockade of Iranian ports and targeting Tehran-linked vessels globally during a fragile ceasefire in the war.
Before being nominated by Trump as Secretary of the Navy in late 2024, Phelan had no military or naval civilian leadership experience. He was a major donor to Trump's campaign and founded the private investment firm Rugger Management LLC. His primary interaction with the military came from his advisory role at the nonprofit organization "Spirit of America." "Spirit of America" supports the defense of Ukraine and Taiwan.
The suddenness of the latest personnel change is evident, as just the day before, Phelan had addressed a large audience of naval personnel and industry professionals at the Navy's annual conference in Washington, D.C., and spoke with reporters about his policy plans.
U.S. Secretary of War (Defense) Pete Hegseth also dismissed Army Chief of Staff Randy George a few weeks ago. Since taking office last year, Hegseth has dismissed multiple high-ranking generals, admirals, and other defense leaders.
Department of War (Defense) spokesman Sean Parnell stated on social media that Phelan is departing "effective immediately," and will be succeeded by Deputy Secretary Hung Cao as acting secretary.
Hung Cao ran for the U.S. Senate in Virginia in 2024, attempting unsuccessfully to challenge Democratic Senator Tim Kaine.
Hung Cao has 25 years of Navy service experience and has served in combat zones. His personal background includes fleeing Vietnam with his family as a child in the 1970s.
In his Senate campaign promotional video, he drew a parallel between the communist regime in Vietnam during the Cold War and the administration of then-President Joe Biden. (Translation: Hsu Jui-cheng) 1150423
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship from you is the power to guard press freedom.
Download the CNA "First Hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, pictures, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.
(CNA, Washington, 22nd) The United States Department of War (Defense) unexpectedly announced today that Secretary of the Navy John Phelan will leave his post. He is the first branch chief to step down during Trump's second presidential term, but he is part of a recent string of resignations or dismissals among senior defense officials.
According to an AP report, no reason was given for the sudden departure of the highest civilian official in the U.S. Navy. This occurs at a time when the U.S. Navy is implementing a blockade of Iranian ports and targeting Tehran-linked vessels globally during a fragile ceasefire in the war.
Before being nominated by Trump as Secretary of the Navy in late 2024, Phelan had no military or naval civilian leadership experience. He was a major donor to Trump's campaign and founded the private investment firm Rugger Management LLC. His primary interaction with the military came from his advisory role at the nonprofit organization "Spirit of America." "Spirit of America" supports the defense of Ukraine and Taiwan.
The suddenness of the latest personnel change is evident, as just the day before, Phelan had addressed a large audience of naval personnel and industry professionals at the Navy's annual conference in Washington, D.C., and spoke with reporters about his policy plans.
U.S. Secretary of War (Defense) Pete Hegseth also dismissed Army Chief of Staff Randy George a few weeks ago. Since taking office last year, Hegseth has dismissed multiple high-ranking generals, admirals, and other defense leaders.
Department of War (Defense) spokesman Sean Parnell stated on social media that Phelan is departing "effective immediately," and will be succeeded by Deputy Secretary Hung Cao as acting secretary.
Hung Cao ran for the U.S. Senate in Virginia in 2024, attempting unsuccessfully to challenge Democratic Senator Tim Kaine.
Hung Cao has 25 years of Navy service experience and has served in combat zones. His personal background includes fleeing Vietnam with his family as a child in the 1970s.
In his Senate campaign promotional video, he drew a parallel between the communist regime in Vietnam during the Cold War and the administration of then-President Joe Biden. (Translation: Hsu Jui-cheng) 1150423
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship from you is the power to guard press freedom.
Download the CNA "First Hand News" APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, pictures, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.