The Pentagon announced the departure of Navy Secretary John Phelan on Wednesday, after just over a year in the role. <\/p>\n
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell\u00a0stated on X that Phelan was \u201cdeparting the administration, effective immediately.\u201d The reason behind this sudden decision was not disclosed.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Navy Undersecretary\u00a0Hung Cao\u00a0is set to take over the role in an interim capacity.<\/p>\n
Axios reported<\/a> that Phelan was criticized for overstepping his role and bypassing the chain of command, due to his close access to President Donald Trump, a key concern for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.<\/p>\n Pentagon Shake-Up Amid Iran Tensions<\/p>\n The move adds to a growing number of military officials who have departed or been removed during Trump’s second term.<\/p>\n Earlier this month, Hegseth fired Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, who, in his farewell<\/a> message, emphasized the need for \u201cleaders of character\u201d as the Pentagon continues a sweeping leadership overhaul.<\/p>\n Moreover, Hegseth\u2019s actions have created tension with other military officials. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, amid reports of a feud with Hegseth, declared he has no intention <\/a>of stepping down. Notably, Driscoll is a close ally of Vice President JD Vance. <\/p>\n The Navy Secretary’s departure also comes amid an ongoing naval standoff <\/a>with Iran. U.S. forces intercepted Iranian tankers in Asian waters, escalating the blockade, while Iran seized ships in Hormuz and blamed Washington, deepening tensions amid a fragile ceasefire.<\/p>\n Image via IMAGN<\/p>\n