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Hegseth ousts 'unusually powerful' Navy official days after new undersecretary confirmed

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico, in Quantico, Virginia, U.S., September 30, 2025. In an unprecedented gathering, almost 800 generals, admirals and their senior enlisted leaders have been ordered into one location from around the world on short notice. Andrew Harnik/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
Daniel Hampton
October 03, 2025

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly ousted a top Navy official just days ahead of a massive planned celebration of the military branch's 250-year anniversary, and after the confirmation this week of a staunch ally of President Donald Trump as undersecretary.

Hegseth fired Navy chief of staff Jon Harrison on Friday, Politico reported, noting he was an "unusually powerful top aide who had orchestrated a reshuffle of the service’s bureaucracy."

The Pentagon confirmed Harrison's departure, telling the outlet, "He will no longer serve as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy. We are grateful for his service to the Department."

His exit comes after the confirmation of Hung Cao as Navy undersecretary. Cao, a Navy veteran, previously ran unsuccessfully for Senate in Virginia.

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