BREAKING: Hegseth Fires Navy Chief of Staff

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has dismissed Jon Harrison from his role as Navy Chief of Staff, part of a broader leadership purge at the Pentagon

Harrison, a Trump appointee who had wielded unusually expansive influence over Navy operations, was removed shortly after the Senate confirmed Hung Cao as Navy Undersecretary.

Harrison and Secretary John Phelan had recently restructured key policy and budgeting offices — moves widely seen as limiting Cao’s authority. His removal was confirmed in a terse Pentagon statement that said Harrison “will no longer serve as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy.”

Insiders say the decision reflects mounting tension between Hegseth and officials who resist centralization of control. One defense official told Politico that Harrison’s restructuring had “undermined” the newly confirmed undersecretary’s ability to lead. Harrison declined to comment when approached for reaction.

We are grateful for his service,” a Pentagon spokesperson said of Harrison’s departure, offering no further explanation.

The firing opens another front in Hegseth’s ongoing reshuffling of top military ranks. In the days ahead, eyes will remain on whether additional senior officials will be asked to step down as part of the administration’s broader reform plans..

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Ashley Michael
Ashley Michael

Ashley Michael is a journalist who covers U.S. politics, breaking news, and major events. she focuses on bringing clear, accurate, and timely stories to readers.