On Wednesday, the US military establishment witnessed the departure of Navy Secretary John Phelan “with immediate effect,” after a series of dismissals of prominent leaders, amid Democratic concern about the politicization of the military during the era of US President Donald Trump. All of this comes in the midst of the war led by the United States and Israel on Iran.
Published on: 04/23/2026 - 01:00 Last updated: 04/23/2026 - 04:16
The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that US Navy Secretary John Phelan will leave his position “effective immediately,” without providing any explanations regarding this sudden departure.
Phelan's resignation came after the dismissal of US Army Chief of Staff General Randy George and two senior officers early this month, in the midst of the war led by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell explained in a statement published on the X platform that Phelan “will leave the administration with immediate effect,” noting that Undersecretary Hong Kao will assume the position temporarily.
Since his return to the White House early last year, the administration of President Donald Trump has witnessed a series of broad changes in military leadership, including the dismissal of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Brown, without providing any justification in February 2025, along with a number of senior leaders in the Navy and Coast Guard.
The Air Force Chief of Staff also submitted his resignation without explaining the reasons, even though he spent only two years in his position out of a four-year term, while the Commander of the US Southern Command left his position one year after his appointment.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirms that the president has the authority to choose whomever he deems most appropriate for sensitive positions. On the other hand, Democrats express their concern about the possibility of politicization of the American military establishment, which is traditionally known for its commitment to neutrality regarding internal political disputes.
France 24/AFP
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