US President Donald Trump has suffered a major setback amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Navy Secretary John Phelan has announced his resignation from his post. The Pentagon has informed about the sudden resignation of Navy Secretary John Phelan. The information regarding the reason behind the sudden resignation of this top officer of NASA has not been revealed yet. Different claims are being made in media reports regarding this decision. This is the first case of a military service chief leaving in Trump’s second term.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said Wednesday evening that Phelan was leaving his post effective immediately. It was a surprise announcement, coming as the US Navy continues to blockade Iranian ports during a ceasefire in the Iran war. According to sources, earlier Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had spoken to Trump and said that Phelan would either have to resign or he would be fired.
Questions on John Phelan’s resignation?
The move comes amid ongoing tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over his implementation of shipbuilding reforms and his close relationship with President Donald Trump, CNN reported. President Trump and Secretary Hegseth agreed that the Navy needed new leadership. Although the official reason for his departure has not been clearly stated, this decision has raised many questions.
Don’t know the reason for resignation
“On behalf of the Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary of Defense, we are grateful to Secretary Phelan for his service to the Department and the US Navy,” Pentagon spokesperson Parnell said in a post on X. He added, “We wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Undersecretary Hung Kao will become Acting Secretary of the Navy.”
Questions were raised on John’s appointment
Let us tell you that John Phelan was appointed to this post by President Trump in 2024, the special thing is that Phelan had no military experience, due to which his appointment was in discussion from the beginning. He was seen as an outsider who was brought in to bring change in the Navy. But the announcement of his resignation was particularly surprising given its timing, given that the Navy plays a key role in preventing Iranian ships from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Shock to Trump amid Iran war
So far, the US military has directed 31 ships to return to port and has boarded and searched two ships. Three Navy aircraft carriers are deployed or headed to the Middle East, while the Trump administration says all armed forces are ready to resume fighting against Iran if the ceasefire ends.
Multiple sources told CNN that tension had been simmering between Phelan and Hegseth for months. Hegseth believed that Phelan was moving too slowly in implementing shipbuilding reforms, and he also resented Phelan communicating directly with Trump, which Hegseth saw as an attempt to bypass him (Hegseth).
Also read: After Iran ceasefire extension, world’s eyes now on Washington