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Navy Secretary Phelan Resigns; Hung Cao Named Acting Secretary

4/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Navy Secretary John C. Phelan left the Trump administration immediately, marking the first service-branch secretary to depart in President Donald Trump's second term.
Undersecretary Hung Cao was named acting Navy secretary and brings 25 years of Navy service and a 2024 Senate campaign.
Spokesperson Sean Parnell announced the departure on X, noting it follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s removal of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George.

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Story summary

U.S. Navy Secretary John C. Phelan left the Trump administration immediately, marking the first service-branch secretary to depart in President Donald Trump's second term.
Undersecretary Hung Cao was named acting Navy secretary and brings 25 years of Navy service and a 2024 Senate campaign.
Spokesperson Sean Parnell announced the departure on X, noting it follows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s removal of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George.