Pentagon announces resignation of U.S. Navy Secretary

The U.S. Department of Defense has announced the resignation of John Felan from the position of Secretary of the Navy.

Assistant to the Pentagon chief for public affairs, Sean Parnell, posted a corresponding statement on X.

"Navy Secretary John Felan is leaving his post in the administration, with the decision taking effect immediately," Parnell stated. He did not provide reasons for the resignation, adding that Felan's first deputy, Hang Kao, will serve as the acting Navy Secretary.

Felan, the founder and co-founder of several investment companies, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate for the position of Navy Secretary on March 25, 2025, after which he was sworn in. The Navy Secretary is responsible, among other things, for the logistical support of naval forces, as well as the financial resources at their disposal. The Secretaries of the Air Force, Navy, and Army are not members of the presidential cabinet.

Meanwhile, the Axios portal described the event as a clash over the understanding of authority boundaries. "Felan did not realize that he is not the one in charge. His task was to carry out the orders he received, not the ones he deemed necessary," the portal quoted a source as saying.

According to the publication, Felan's departure came as a surprise to a significant part of the military leadership and added to the list of high-ranking officials of the current administration who have left their posts.

Sources: TASS, Axios