Navy Secretary Ousted Abruptly

The Pentagon announced Phelan's departure without providing a specific reason, though sources indicate a fundamental clash with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the administration's 'Golden Fleet' strategy.

Undersecretary Hung Cao has been appointed as acting secretary to maintain continuity during the current blockade of Iranian ports.

Phelan, a billionaire contributor to the Trump campaign, had served only thirteen months before his sudden dismissal.

This shake-up adds a new layer of internal instability to the Department of Defense as it manages critical naval operations in the Persian Gulf.