US Navy Secretary John C. Phelan Resigns Abruptly; Pentagon Confirms

Washington
United States Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan has submitted his resignation, the Pentagon confirmed on Thursday, offering no explanation for his sudden departure. Under Secretary Hung Cao will assume the role of Acting Secretary of the Navy in the interim.
Phelan was nominated by President Donald Trump in November 2024, a selection that immediately drew scrutiny from lawmakers and defence analysts who questioned his lack of experience in the military, naval affairs, national security policy, or the defence industry. He appeared before a Senate committee in February 2025 and was confirmed to the post in March 2025, with a vote of 62 in favour and 30 opposed.
His resignation comes amid a broader period of turbulence within the US defence establishment. Earlier, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth compelled Army Chief of Staff General Rand George to resign during heightened tensions stemming from the conflict with Iran. The successive removal and departure of senior military and civilian defence officials has raised concerns among analysts over institutional stability at the Pentagon.
The circumstances surrounding Phelan’s exit remain unclear, and no official statement detailing the reasons has been issued.