Amidst the ongoing war with Iran and blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump has removed America’s Navy Chief John Phelan from his post. The Pentagon confirmed on Wednesday (April 23, 2026) that Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving the Trump administration with immediate effect.

“Navy Secretary John C. Phelan is departing the administration, effective immediately,” Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement. On behalf of the Secretary of War and the Deputy Secretary of War, we thank Navy Secretary Phelan for his service to the Department and the United States Navy. We wish him success in his future endeavours.

Action took place amid controversy with Pete Hegseth

According to the New York Times, the decision to remove Phelan from his post came after months of rising tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg. Officials said there were growing differences over management style, personnel hiring decisions and how to reform the Navy’s troubled shipbuilding program.

Also read- Why did Donald Trump say thank you to Iran before talks in Pakistan? Said- You are the President of America…

On what issue was there dispute with Hegseth?

Among the issues on which Phelan had disputes with Hegseth and Feinberg, the most important issue was regarding the ‘Golden Fleet’. According to the NYT report, Phelan had strongly supported the Golden Fleet project, which included huge spending on new warships and a new ‘Trump-class’ aircraft carrier, but officials said Pentagon leaders were unhappy with the way he handled the plan. One official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Feinberg was becoming increasingly frustrated and had begun taking parts of the project out of Phelan’s hands.

Phelan had bad relations even with his deputy secretary.

Phelan also reportedly had a strained relationship with his deputy, Undersecretary Hung Kao. Officials said Cao was close to Hegseth. Especially on those social and cultural issues which have affected the tenure of the Defense Secretary to a great extent. Kao is now expected to take over after Phelan’s departure. Earlier, Hegseth had fired Phelan’s chief of staff, John Harrison.

Also read- Trump conducted surgical strike on his own big people! Why did the American President get nervous amid the war with Iran?

Hegseth had taken action against the Army Chief only 20 days ago.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had dismissed Army Chief General Randy George about 20 days ago. He assumed the responsibility of the post in August 2023. His tenure was for four years, but he had to leave the post within three years. There was still one year left in his job.