- US Navy Secretary John Phelan has immediately departed his role following reported disagreements with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his deputy Stephen Feinberg.
- President Trump and Secretary Hegseth agreed that new leadership was needed for the Navy, with Hegseth informing Phelan of his removal.
- The disputes reportedly stemmed from issues including the Navy’s shipbuilding program and Phelan's alleged direct communication with President Trump, bypassing Hegseth.
- Phelan, a businessperson and political donor with no military background, was sworn in as Navy Secretary in March 2025 after President Trump's reelection.
- His ousting is the latest in a series of high-profile military leadership changes under Secretary Hegseth, occurring amidst a US blockade of Iranian ports and rising oil prices.
IN FULL
