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News India Live, Digital Desk: Amidst the noise of war around the world, US President Donald Trump has taken a very shocking step. The Pentagon has removed Navy Secretary John Phelan from his post with ‘immediate effect’. This action has been taken at a time when the US Navy is carrying out the largest military blockade in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing tension with Iran. This sudden departure of Phelan has created a stir from Washington to Tehran.
Sudden collapse: Pentagon did not give any reason
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the major reshuffle through a social media post. He said that John Phelan is no longer part of the administration and Hung Cao has been appointed acting Navy Secretary in his place. Interestingly, just a day before this dismissal, Phelan was addressing an annual Navy conference in Washington. Experts believe that the decision taken in such a hurry indicates some deep dispute or internal discord.
The Blockade of Hormuz and Phelan’s Failure: Why Did John Move?
According to sources, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump were unhappy with the current functioning of the Navy and the slow pace of shipbuilding reforms. There have been disagreements between Phelan and top Pentagon officials for the past several months over naval strategy and the supply of ships in the ongoing mission against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. There is also talk that an ‘Ethics Investigation’ against Phelan’s office could also be a reason for his departure.
Trump’s ‘cleansing’ campaign: Panic broke out among the top army leadership
John Phelan’s dismissal is considered to be part of a major ‘purge’ being carried out in the military leadership during Trump’s second term. Recently, Army Chief General Randy George and several other senior officers were also removed. The opposition and some defense experts have raised concerns that such major changes could affect the military’s morale and decision-making ability in a war-like situation. However, the White House argues that the President has every right to choose his team.
Hank Kao will take command: What will be the new strategy now?
The new acting secretary Hank Kao now has a big responsibility on his shoulders. The biggest challenge before them is to further tighten the blockade of Iran and to speed up the ongoing anti-drug operations in the Caribbean Sea. Sources say that the Trump administration is now bringing forward those officers in the Navy who can aggressively implement its ‘America First’ policy and military reforms. Some more major resignations or dismissals may be seen in the Pentagon in the coming days.
