Pete Hegseth fires U.S. Navy secretary John Phelan
· Axios
John Phelan is "departing" as U.S. Navy secretary, the Pentagon said Wednesday.
Why it matters: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's firing of Phelan caught many off-guard, and as the now-former navy secretary was added to a growing pile of military officials who either abruptly exited or were pushed out of their posts under Trump 2.0.
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Driving the news: Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Phelan was "departing the administration, effective immediately," in a post on X.
- Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will take over in an acting capacity.
What they're saying: "Phelan didn't understand he wasn't the boss. His job is to follow orders given, not follow the orders he thinks should be given," a person familiar with the situation told Axios.
- "He didn't get along" with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, they added.
- Phelan had a good relationship with President Trump, another person said.
The intrigue: Phelan sat down with a dozen or so reporters Tuesday afternoon to discuss the future of the sea service and its major investments, including the Golden Fleet and its battleship and frigate.
Catch up quick: Phelan, a longtime financier, was confirmed by the Senate about a year ago.
Go deeper: Hegseth's wartime firing of top generals stuns officials: "It's insane"
Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.