Pentagon says top Navy official to leave office ‘immediately’

U.S. Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving his job, the Pentagon abruptly announced on Wednesday (April 22, 2026), the first head of a military service to depart during President Donald Trump’s second term but just the latest top defence leader to step down or be ousted.

No reason was given for the unexpected departure of the Navy’s top civilian official, coming as the sea service has imposed a blockade of Iranian ports.