Trump replacing Navy secretary in major shakeup as Strait of Hormuz blockade rages

President Trump is replacing his Secretary of the Navy as the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues in the Persian Gulf.

John Phelan is leaving, effective immediately, and Undersecretary Hung Cao will become Acting Secretary of the Navy, the Pentagon announced. No reason was given for his departure.

John Phelan is out as Navy secretary. The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images

Hung Cao will become Acting Secretary of the Navy, the Pentagon announced. Getty Images

“Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan is departing the administration, effective immediately,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced. “We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Phelan is one of the country’s top art collectors and ran a massive private investment firm.

A top GOP donor, he’s given more than $1.8 million to help elect Republicans. His name also appeared on the flight manifest for Jeffrey Epstein’s private plane.

Cao, a Navy veteran and failed Virginia Senate candidate, is well-liked by the president.