Pete Hegseth fires U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan - Axios

Axios
April 22, 2026
2 min read

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Pete Hegseth fired U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan, leading to a leadership change.

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Pete Hegseth has fired U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan, according to Axios. This action indicates a significant change in leadership within the Department of the Navy. As the Secretary of the Navy is a civilian position appointed by the President, Hegseth's authority to make such a dismissal suggests a high-level role within the Trump administration. The firing removes the top civilian official responsible for the organization, training, and equipping of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. This move will necessitate the appointment of a new Navy Secretary, subject to Senate confirmation.

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