Axios
John Phelan is "departing" as U.S. Navy secretary , the Pentagon said Wednesday. Why it matters: The announcement caught many off-guard, and casts Phelan into the growing pile of military officials that either abruptly exited or were pushed out of their posts under Trump 2.0. 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"
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