Overview

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth abruptly dismissed Navy chief of staff Jon Harrison last week, according to multiple current and former defense officials cited by Politico.
• Harrison’s removal came after Hung Cao, newly confirmed as Navy undersecretary, raised concerns about Harrison’s moves to limit the undersecretary’s office, those officials said.
• Navy Secretary John Phelan learned of Harrison’s ouster only after it occurred, underscoring the internal power struggle over control of senior Navy roles.
• A White House spokesperson said President Trump has full confidence in Hegseth and supports aligning department personnel with the administration’s priorities.
• Hegseth recently warned hundreds of generals and admirals at Quantico that leaders who reject his “warrior ethos” vision should resign, reinforcing what officials describe as a widening culture of intimidation.