The U.S. Pentagon is in the grips of unprecedented upheaval as Navy Secretary John Phelan was abruptly removed from his position Wednesday, marking the first departure of a military service head during President Donald Trump's second term.
The sudden ouster came without explanation from the Pentagon, which simply announced that Phelan was "departing the administration, effective immediately." The timing stunned observers, as Phelan had addressed a packed audience of navy sailors and industry professionals at the service's annual Washington conference just one day earlier, discussing his agenda and budgetary priorities.
Phelan's departure represents the latest casualty in a sweeping purge of defence leadership that has accelerated dramatically under Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Since Hegseth took office last year, he has removed multiple top generals, admirals, and defence officials, including Navy Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Air Force General Jim Slife, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Charles "CQ" Brown Jr.
Outsider Brought In to "Shake Things Up"
Phelan, who had never served in the military before his nomination in late 2024, was selected as an outsider tasked with transforming the navy. A major donor to Trump's campaign, Phelan founded the private investment firm Rugger Management LLC and served in an advisory capacity with Spirit of America, a nonprofit supporting the defence of Ukraine and Taiwan.
His removal occurs during an exceptionally volatile period for U.S. naval operations. The navy currently maintains three aircraft carriers deployed in or transiting to the Middle East as the Trump administration conducts a naval blockade of Iranian ports amid ongoing regional tensions. The service has also intensified operations in the Caribbean and played a key role in the controversial capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January.
Trump Loyalist Takes Over
Stepping into the role as acting navy secretary is Hung Cao, a 25-year navy combat veteran and Trump loyalist who previously launched unsuccessful campaigns for U.S. Senate and House seats in Virginia. Cao, who fled Vietnam as a child in the 1970s, has been a visible Trump supporter, endorsing the president at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
The instability at the Pentagon raises questions about continuity in military leadership during a period of heightened international tension. Experts caution that frequent changes in command structure can disrupt strategic planning and operational effectiveness.
This article is based on reporting from CBC World.