A senior official in Donald Trump's administration was abruptly fired, with his replacement facing scrutiny over past remarks and claims. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan was fired as secretary of the Navy. By: Unsplash The Pentagon announced that John Phelan, 62, is leaving his post as secretary of the Navy, effective immediately. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the departure in a social media statement. "On behalf of the Secretary of War and Deputy Secretary of War, we are grateful to Secretary Phelan for his service to the Department and the United States Navy," Parnell wrote.