Arabic version: وزير البحرية الأمريكية جون فيلان يغادر مع استمرار تغييرات القيادة

US Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving the Trump administration, with the Pentagon announcing his departure as “effective immediately.” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed that Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will serve as acting secretary.

According to BBC News, Phelan’s exit is part of a broader trend of high-ranking military leaders departing the administration. This follows recent requests for resignations from other senior officials, including Army Chief of Staff Randy George and two additional Army leaders.

Phelan, who was sworn in as Secretary of the Navy in March 2025, was a civilian without prior military experience. His nomination by President Donald Trump came after he was recognized as a significant donor to Trump’s campaign. Under his leadership, the Navy focused on policy formulation, recruitment, and logistics.

Cao, who will now serve as acting secretary, has a background as a 25-year Navy veteran and previously ran for the US Senate in Virginia in 2024, where he gained Trump’s endorsement. His campaign included controversial statements regarding military recruitment and diversity initiatives.

Phelan’s departure coincides with ongoing tensions in the region, particularly concerning the US blockade of Iranian ports and clashes in the Strait of Hormuz. The White House has stated that the president is satisfied with the blockade, asserting that Iran is in a weak position.