US Secretary of the Navy Behind the Resignations of Defense Officials

US Secretary of the Navy John Phelan is set to step down from his position. Investigations reveal that the resignation of this US defence official is linked to the figure of the Secretary of Defense. Phelan’s resignation follows the dismissal of high-ranking US Army officer General Randy George and two other senior officers earlier this month, at a time when the United States is engaged in a war with Iran. “Phelan is leaving the administration, effective immediately,” said Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell in a statement on social media platform X, as reported by AFP news agency on Thursday (23/4/2026). He added that he will be temporarily replaced by Deputy Secretary Hung Cao. US media outlet Axios reported that US Secretary of Defense (Menhan) Pete Hegseth has dismissed Phelan. Issue of Disagreement with US Secretary of Defense A person familiar with the matter told Axios, “Phelan did not understand that he is not the boss. His job is to follow the orders given, not the orders he thinks should be given.” The same source said that Phelan and Hegseth do not get along. Although there are reports of a good relationship between Phelan and US President Donald Trump, tensions reportedly arose due to Phelan’s direct communication with the president. One source said Hegseth views Phelan as bypassing the chain of command too often. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated via a social media post that Phelan’s resignation “takes effect immediately.” The position, which is largely administrative, will be filled by Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Hung Cao. Unconfirmed US media reports mention tensions in US leadership regarding shipbuilding issues as the background to Phelan’s resignation. “On behalf of the Secretary of War and Deputy Secretary of War, we thank Phelan for his service to the Department and the US Navy,” wrote Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. “We wish him all the best for his future.” According to several sources cited by various US media, Phelan lost his position after clashing with Hegseth over the implementation of President Trump’s shipbuilding initiative. Profile of John Phelan John Phelan, a civilian who had never served in the military before, was sworn in as Secretary of the Navy in March 2025 after being nominated by President Donald Trump in 2024. Phelan, a businessman, is known as a major donor to Trump’s campaign. The two appeared together at Mar-a-Lago in December 2025 when Trump announced plans to procure a series of new warships armed and named after himself, part of the “Golden Fleet” armada supported by Phelan. Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Andrew Peek told the BBC that the president clearly wants to expand the country’s merchant and civilian fleet. “In the end, someone will be made the scapegoat for the lack of progress. I think that’s about 30% of the reason,” he said. “The remaining 70% is that Phelan’s replacement is very well-known to the MAGA supporter base. I think this is just a replacement with someone more favoured and trusted by the president,” he added.