US Navy secretary Phelan out, Pentagon says

US Navy Secretary John Phelan is departing the administration "effective immediately". Pentagon announced on Wednesday.John Phelan has been ousted from the Trump administration, marking the second major leadership shakeup at the Pentagon since the Iran war began on February 28. Defense Department spokesperson Sean Parnell wrote on X that Phelan was leaving “effective immediately,” offering no explanation for the sudden exit. Parnell said. Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will now serve as the acting secretary of the Navy, he added.
Multiple reports indicate that Phelan — a former financier and prominent Trump campaign donor — was pushed out as tensions escalated between him and the Pentagon’s top brass. “Phelan didn't understand he wasn't the boss,” a source told Axios. “His job is to follow orders given, not follow the orders he thinks should be given.” They added that “he didn’t get along” with the Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Phelan’s exit marks the second high-level personnel change at the Pentagon in recent weeks. On April 2, the Defense Department announced the retirement of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George. Both departures have taken place against the backdrop of the Iran war, which began when the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes in late February. The U.S. Navy, now headed by Cao, is currently enforcing a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz amid a tenuous ceasefire. At least 15 U.S. warships are in the region.