In a stunning Friday announcement, War Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the firing of Navy Chief of Staff Jon Harrison, marking another bold move in President Donald Trump’s ongoing effort to restore discipline and accountability inside the Pentagon.
“He will no longer serve as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy,” the Pentagon said in a statement. “We are grateful for his service to the Department.”
According to multiple Pentagon officials, the shake-up reflects a wider effort by the Trump administration to clean house after years of internal dysfunction and bureaucratic resistance.
Harrison, a Trump appointee who joined the Navy’s leadership team earlier this year, declined to comment on his dismissal. But reports from Politico suggest his departure followed growing tensions inside the Navy Department — particularly over power struggles surrounding new Undersecretary Hung Cao, a Trump-nominated Navy veteran known for his no-nonsense leadership style.
Power Struggle at the Pentagon
Sources say Navy Secretary John Phelan and Harrison had consolidated significant authority over the Navy’s budgeting and policy offices, sidelining other officials in a bid to centralize decision-making.
That power grab reportedly concerned some within the administration after Cao’s Senate confirmation earlier this week, as Phelan and Harrison allegedly reassigned key aides meant to support Cao’s transition — and even planned to interview future military assistants on his behalf.
“They were afraid Cao would undercut their control,” one defense source told Politico. “Trump’s team wants accountability — not more bureaucracy.”
A spokesperson for Secretary Phelan denied those accusations, calling them “false and politically motivated.”
Trump’s Vision: Rebuild America’s Military Strength
President Donald Trump, who nominated Cao after his 2024 Senate bid in Virginia, has made it clear that rebuilding America’s shipbuilding industry and military readiness are top priorities of his second term.
Hegseth’s firing of Harrison continues a pattern of decisive leadership changes across the military. In recent months, he has removed several top aides and uniformed leaders within the Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard — a move aimed at cutting red tape, boosting morale, and restoring patriotic leadership at every level.
“This administration isn’t afraid to make tough calls,” a senior defense official said. “President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are focused on results — not politics.”
Bottom Line
The latest shake-up underscores Trump’s determination to return control of the military to real leaders who put America first.
For millions of Americans who support law, order, and strong defense, this firing sends a clear message: Washington’s business-as-usual era is over.