Pete Hegseth fires U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan

Axios
by Colin Demarest
April 22, 2026
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1 min read

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U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan is departing immediately, with Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao taking over in an acting capacity.

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John Phelan is "departing" as U.S. Navy secretary, the Pentagon announced Wednesday. Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated on X that Phelan was "departing the administration, effective immediately." This announcement caught many off-guard and adds Phelan to a growing list of military officials who have exited their posts under President Trump's second term. Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will assume the role in an acting capacity. Phelan, confirmed by the Senate about a year ago, reportedly "didn't get along" with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

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