US Navy Secretary John C. Phelan has resigned from his position in the Trump administration with immediate effect amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Sean Parnell, Public Relations Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, announced the development on X. In an official statement, authorities expressed gratitude for Phelan's service, noting his contributions to both the Department of the Navy and the US Navy during his tenure.
Hung Cao Appointed as Acting Secretary
Following Phelan's departure, Under Secretary Hung Cao will assume the role of Acting Secretary of the Navy immediately. It's noteworthy that at the time of his nomination in November 2024 within the Trump administration, critics had raised questions regarding Cao's perceived lack of experience in military and defense policy. He now steps into the leadership role during a period of significant regional tension.
Internal Turmoil at the Pentagon and High-Level Exits
This announcement comes at a time when the United States is grappling with escalating tensions due to the Iran war. Phelan, whose appointment was confirmed by the Senate in March last year, is the latest in a string of high-level resignations from the Pentagon under the leadership of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. His departure follows the removal of Army Chief General Randy George and two other generals last month, moves that have intensified internal turmoil and blame-shifting within the Department of Defense.
Navy Modernization and Financial Reforms
Phelan was an investor whom Trump had selected specifically to spearhead the modernization of the Navy. During his tenure, he implemented significant cost-cutting measures, including reducing the Navy's IT spending by approximately $300 million. While no specific reason for the resignation has been officially provided, the move aligns with the departure of several other Trump administration officials and broader leadership changes in defense amid the growing confrontation with Iran.
Recent Activities Prior to Resignation
The resignation, announced by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell on X, comes shortly after Phelan attended the Navy's annual conference in Washington, while he had spoken with reporters just a day prior to the announcement. His sudden exit has sparked discussions regarding the stability of the defense leadership during the current crisis.