John Phelan out as Navy secretary in latest high-profile Trump administration departure
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Navy Secretary John Phelan has resigned effective immediately, with Undersecretary Hung Cao, a Navy veteran and 2024 GOP Senate candidate in Virginia, named as acting civilian leader of the Navy.
- Phelan's departure is part of a series of high-profile federal government exits, including changes in military leadership and three Cabinet secretaries leaving since last month.
- The Navy, which oversees naval forces and the Marine Corps, remains a key player in U.S.-Iran tensions, maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian ports amid a temporary ceasefire.
- During Phelan's tenure, the Navy participated in strikes on drug boats near Latin America and seized oil tankers linked to Venezuela; he also supported President Trump's initiative to expand the Navy fleet with new "Trump-class" battleships.
- Phelan was confirmed by the Senate in March 2025 and last appeared publicly at the Sea Air Space Conference on Tuesday.
