Navy Secretary John Phelan Departs Amid Pentagon Leadership Shakeup
Navy Secretary John Phelan has unexpectedly left his position, marking the first departure of a military service head during President Trump's second term. The Pentagon announced this sudden change without providing a reason. Phelan's exit is part of a broader pattern of leadership changes at the Pentagon, following the recent dismissal of several top military officials by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Phelan, a major donor to President Trump's campaign and founder of Rugger Management LLC, was seen as an outsider brought in to reform the Navy. His departure comes at a critical time as the Navy is actively involved in operations in the Middle East and the Caribbean. Undersecretary Hung Cao, a 25-year Navy veteran, will assume the role of acting Navy Secretary. 
