Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unexpectedly dismissed Navy Chief of Staff Jon Harrison on Friday, October 3, 2025. Harrison was a key figure in implementing substantial changes to the Navy’s organizational and policy framework.
Appointed in January 2025, Harrison held significant influence in a role typically considered secondary. Alongside Navy Secretary John Phelan, he made extensive alterations to the Navy’s policy and budgeting offices, aiming to reduce the undersecretary’s influence.
The Pentagon confirmed his exit, stating that “he will no longer serve as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy” and appreciating his service to the department.
This dismissal happened shortly after the Senate confirmed Hung Cao as Navy undersecretary earlier in the week. Cao, a Navy veteran and former Republican Senate candidate from Virginia, was appointed by President Donald Trump.
Reports indicate that Harrison and Phelan reassigned several aides meant to assist Cao in his new role. They also intended to personally interview future military assistants for Cao to ensure significant decisions came from the secretary’s office rather than the undersecretary’s.
Neither Harrison nor Phelan had military experience before their appointments. Phelan, a major donor to Trump, was confirmed as Navy secretary in March 2025.
Harrison’s removal is part of a series of leadership changes in the military under Hegseth. In May 2025, he ordered a 20 percent reduction in the number of four-star generals and admirals. Since January, Hegseth and Trump have dismissed over half a dozen top generals, including the only two women four-star officers.
In February 2025, Hegseth and Trump also dismissed Air Force General C.Q. Brown Jr., the second Black person to chair the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Hegseth has also removed some leaders from the Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
This week, Hegseth addressed military leaders, criticizing diversity and inclusion policies and suggesting the department had become what he termed the “woke department.” His remarks drew criticism from many veterans. Hegseth was a Fox News host before becoming the defense secretary.
These changes occur as Trump aims to revitalize the American shipbuilding industry. However, the Navy’s largest programs are lagging, while international counterparts are surpassing American shipyards in productivity.
During a meeting with top officers in Quantico, Virginia, on Tuesday, September 30, Trump stated he would dismiss senior military leaders who did not meet his standards. He told reporters he would immediately terminate anyone whose performance he disapproved of.
Hegseth has also issued directives concerning physical fitness standards for service members, emphasizing grooming standards, including hair length and facial hair, and maintaining healthy weight limits. He criticized what he called “woke” policies and ordered leaders to address what he described as institutional decay.
The dismissal follows months of organizational changes at the Pentagon under the current administration. This pattern of dismissals has affected multiple military branches and levels of command, reflecting broader changes in leadership priorities and administrative strategies.
Harrison declined to comment on his removal. Traditionally, the chief of staff role focuses on maintaining office operations, but Harrison’s tenure was marked by a broader influence over policy decisions and organizational restructuring.