US Navy Secretary John Phelan has left his position effective immediately, the Pentagon said Wednesday, without offering any explanation. His departure comes amid a broader cleanup of top military leaders under President Donald Trump, as the United States remains embroiled in an unresolved conflict with Iran.
First modification: 04/23/2026 - 11:13
US Navy Secretary John Phelan will leave his position "immediately," the Pentagon announced Wednesday, without providing an explanation for his sudden departure.
Phelan's departure follows the dismissal of the U.S. Army's top officer, Gen. Randy George, and two other senior officers earlier this month, at a time when the United States is fighting an unresolved war with Iran.
Phelan "is leaving the administration, effective immediately," Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement on X, adding that he will be replaced on an interim basis by Undersecretary Hung Cao.
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Since returning to office early last year, US President Donald Trump has overseen a purge of senior military leaders, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles "CQ" Brown, whom he fired without explanation in February 2025.
Other high-ranking officials removed include the heads of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, the general who headed the National Security Agency, the deputy chief of staff of the Air Force, a Navy admiral stationed at NATO and three top military lawyers.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has insisted that the president is simply choosing the leaders he wants, but Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern about the potential politicization of the traditionally neutral US military.
In 2025, the Pentagon chief also ordered a cut of at least 20% in the number of active four-star generals and admirals in the US military, as well as a 10% reduction in the total number of generals and flag officers.
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