US Navy Chief John Phelan Resigns

The US Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, has resigned with immediate effect, according to a statement from the US Department of War, marking the latest high-level departure within the American defense establishment.

The department confirmed on Wednesday that Phelan is leaving the administration immediately, with Under Secretary Hung Cao appointed as acting Secretary of the Navy.

His departure reportedly came as a surprise within Washington defense circles. According to Axios reporting, tensions had grown between Phelan and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, although Phelan is said to have maintained a positive relationship with President Donald Trump.

Sources quoted by Axios suggested internal disagreements over authority and decision-making, with one official stating that senior leadership expected strict adherence to directives rather than independent policy direction.

The resignation follows a recent public appearance in which Phelan discussed future naval strategy and major procurement priorities, including the “Golden Fleet” modernization initiative to expand US maritime capabilities.

His exit adds to a broader wave of personnel changes under Secretary Hegseth, who has now removed or replaced 34 military officials since taking office, underscoring a significant restructuring within the US defense leadership.

The US Navy leadership transition comes at a sensitive time as Washington accelerates military modernization efforts and reassesses naval readiness and investment priorities.