US Navy Secretary John Phelan Fired by Pete Hegseth Amid Uncertain Circumstances

US Navy Secretary John Phelan Has Been Fired

The Pentagon announced that John Phelan, the current US Navy Secretary, will be leaving his position immediately. The decision was made by the Department of Defense, with no official reason given for the dismissal.

Phelan’s firing comes during a critical moment in the ongoing war on Iran, which is now in its eighth week. The US Navy has been enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports and ships, and maintaining a heavy presence around the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas passes during peacetime.

Phelan had various responsibilities, including overseeing recruiting, mobilizing, and organizing, as well as construction and repair of ships and military equipment. He was appointed in 2024 as a political ally of President Donald Trump, despite having no prior military or defense leadership experience.

The Pentagon has stated that Phelan will be replaced by Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao, who will serve as acting secretary. Cao is a 25-year Navy veteran who previously ran for public office in 2022 and 2024.

Reports indicate that internal disputes within the Department of Defense may have contributed to Phelan’s dismissal. The Pentagon has not confirmed this information, but it is reported that tensions between Phelan and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were a factor in his departure.

This firing is part of a broader pattern of dismissals and restructuring within the US military under President Trump’s administration. Other senior military leaders have been fired or are leaving during the war on Iran, including Army Chief of Staff General Randy A. George in April.

The removal of Phelan comes as the US continues to move more naval assets into the region, with a fragile ceasefire with Iran in place. The Navy plays a central role in enforcing Trump’s blockade of Iranian ports and applying economic pressure on Tehran.

Source: Al Jazeera