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International Business Times
International Business Times

Is Hung Cao the New Acting Navy Secretary? Inside John Phelan's Resignation and Sudden Leadership Shake-Up

A former Vietnamese refugee with a 25-year military career, Cao transitioned from unsuccessful political runs in Virginia to a top executive role under the Trump administration.

The Pentagon has seen its most dramatic leadership shift to date as the civilian head of the fleet stepped down amid a sweeping administrative overhaul.

John Phelan, the private equity billionaire appointed by Donald Trump, resigned as US Navy Secretary on Wednesday, 22 April 2026. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed John Phelan's resignation in a brief statement, noting the exit was 'effective immediately'.

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