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John Phelan out as U.S. Navy secretary
April 22, 2026
Posted 1 hour ago by
John Phelan is departing as U.S. Navy secretary, the Pentagon said Wednesday.Why it matters: The announcement caught many off-guard, and casts Phelan into the growing pile of military officials that either abruptly exited or were pushed out of their posts under Trump 2.0.Driving the news: Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Phelan was departing the administration, effective immediately, in a post on X.Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will take over in an acting capacity.What they're saying: Phelan didn't understand he wasn't the boss.
His job is to follow orders given, not follow the orders he thinks should be given, a person familiar with the situation told Axios.He didn't get along with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, they added.Phelan had a good relationship with President Trump, another person said.The intrigue: Phelan sat down with a dozen or so reporters Tuesday afternoon to discuss the future of the sea service and its major investments, including the Golden Fleet and its battleship and frigate.Catch up quick: Phelan, a longtime financier, was confirmed by the Senate about a year ago.Go deeper: Hegseth's wartime firing of top generals stuns officials: It's insane
Axios
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