Hegseth Fires Navy Chief of Staff Jon Harrison in Major Pentagon Shake-Up
Harrison Removed After Cao Confirmation
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed **Jon Harrison** as Navy Chief of Staff following the Senate confirmation of **Hung Cao** as Undersecretary of the Navy. Harrison had wielded unusually strong influence in Navy operations, working closely with Navy Secretary **John Phelan** to restructure bureaucratic offices. His dismissal signals a reassertion of authority by Hegseth and the incoming undersecretary. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Internal Power Struggles and Bureaucratic Shake-Ups
Reports indicate Harrison and Phelan moved aides away from supporting Cao and vetted future military assistants to ensure decisions stayed with the Secretary’s office. This effort was perceived as limiting the new Undersecretary’s influence. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} The Pentagon issued a terse statement confirming Harrison would “no longer serve,” giving no detailed explanation. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Broader Trend in Pentagon Reshuffle
Harrison’s dismissal is part of a broader purge by Hegseth that has included high-ranking officials and admirals. These shifts reflect an effort to consolidate control and align the military more closely with Trump-era policies. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Reactions & Risks
Supporters portray the change as necessary to rid entrenched resistance. Critics warn it may undermine institutional stability and politicize military leadership. Some in Congress have called for oversight into how such dismissals are handled. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}