Navy Secretary John Phelan abruptly left his job on Wednesday in part because a hugely expensive new battleship he championed sparked friction with his superiors — including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Navy Secretary John Phelan has ⁠been ⁠fired, a U.S. official and ⁠a person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday, in another wartime shakeup ​at the Pentagon coming just weeks after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ousted the Army's top general.

John Phelan is out as Navy secretary, "effective immediately," the Pentagon said Wednesday evening. "We are grateful to Secretary Phelan for his service to the Department and the United States Navy," chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said on a brief post on X.

Secretary of the Navy John Phelan is leaving his position “effective immediately,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell announced on Wednesday. CNN’s Kristen Holmes reports.

The billionaire was a significant contributor to President Donald Trump's campaign, but officials said he clashed repeatedly with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

U.S. Navy Secretary John C. Phelan, Trump’s pick to lead the service, is departing the administration effective immediately, the Pentagon said.

Navy Secretary John Phelan will leave the Trump administration “effective immediately,” chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced Wednesday, marking the latest departure of a top defense official this year.

US Navy Secretary John Phelan is leaving the Trump administration, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday. His departure will be "effective immediately", Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a social media post.