Amid ongoing war with Iran, Defense Secretary Pat Hegsthn removed US Navy Secretary John C. Filen from his post on Wednesday.
The US Department of War confirmed John C. Filen's resignation, The New York Post reported, citing sources, that John C. Filen was removed due to disagreement over Trump's plan to build the Golden Fleet of warships. The administration wanted to speed up the shipbuilding program due to the president's agenda and John C. Filen was not capable of meeting those goals, which was not liked. Undersecretary Hung Kao has been appointed as the acting Navy secretary and has also taken charge of the post.
According to CNN, the decision was made in the backdrop of tension between Defense Secretary Pat Hegsthn, which arose due to differences over the implementation of reforms in shipbuilding and Filen's close relationship with President Donald Trump. Pentagon spokesman Sen Parnell said on Wednesday evening that Filen would "immediately" step down from his post. It was an unexpected announcement, especially at a time when the US Navy is blockading Iranian ports during the Iran war despite a ceasefire. How long can Iran keep the Strait of Hormuz closed? Details of the Pentagon's secret briefing have emerged
According to sources, Hegsthn had previously spoken to Trump and told Filen that he would either resign or face dismissal.
A senior government official told CNN, "President Trump and Secretary Hegsthn agreed that new leadership is needed in the Navy." Sen Parnell said in a statement, "The Secretary of War and Deputy Secretary of War are grateful for Secretary Filen's services to the department and the US Navy. We wish him well for his future."
Multiple sources told CNN that there had been tension between Filen and Hegsthn for several months. Hegsthn felt that Filen was showing slow pace in implementing shipbuilding reforms, while he was also unhappy with Filen's direct contact with Trump, which he saw as an attempt to bypass his authority. Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Finberg also wanted to take control of major shipbuilding and Navy procurement issues, which are generally the responsibility of Filen.