Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao assumed his new role this week following the abrupt firing of John Phelan, amid what appears to be a broader shake-up at the Pentagon under the Trump administration.

Cao posted a video message to social media on Saturday outlining his priorities for Navy service members, beginning with taking care of their needs and emphasizing shipbuilding efforts. The message came just days after Phelan's dismissal, which occurred as part of President Trump's push for accelerated naval shipbuilding programs.

The personnel change has drawn criticism from some media figures, including Newsmax host Greg Kelly, who directed harsh criticism at Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over Phelan's firing. Kelly used strong language in a social media post, calling Hegseth a "DESPICABLE guy" and "Insecure FAKE" in relation to the Navy leadership change.

Phelan's firing represents the latest in what sources describe as a series of abrupt departures from Pentagon leadership positions. The changes come as the administration seeks to implement policy shifts within the Defense Department, particularly regarding naval operations and shipbuilding capacity.

The transition occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions with Iran, adding complexity to the leadership changes at one of the military's key service branches. Cao's appointment as acting secretary will require him to navigate both internal reorganization and external military challenges facing the Navy.