US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Navy Chief of Staff Jon Harrison on Friday (local time), removing a senior official who had been deeply involved in reshaping the Pentagon under the Trump administration, Politico reported.

Sudden Dismissal Creates Shockwaves

Harrison, who took office in January, played a major role in restructuring the Navy’s policy and budgeting departments. Working closely with Navy Secretary John Phelan—a Trump mega-donor appointed in March—Harrison reportedly tried to curb the power of the Navy under secretary, a role traditionally in charge of the branch’s finances.

Confirming the move, the Pentagon said, “He will no longer serve as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy. We are grateful for his service to the Department.”

Rising Tensions Inside the Navy

The firing came just days after Hung Cao, a former naval officer and last year’s Republican Senate candidate, was confirmed as Navy under secretary. Reports suggest that Harrison and Phelan, who had no prior military experience, reassigned several senior aides meant to support Cao. The move was seen as an attempt to weaken the under secretary’s authority.

A Pattern of Pentagon Turmoil

Harrison’s removal is the latest in a series of shake-ups under Hegseth’s leadership. In May, Hegseth ordered a 20% cut in four-star generals and admirals. Since January, he and former President Donald Trump have dismissed more than six top generals, including the only two women serving as four-star officers.

In February, Hegseth fired Air Force General CQ Brown Jr., the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the second Black man to hold that position.

Controversial Remarks Add to Tensions

Earlier this week, Hegseth sparked outrage after calling the Pentagon “the woke department” during a speech to senior military officials. He criticized diversity and inclusion policies, remarks that drew strong backlash from veterans and defense experts.

Before becoming Defense Secretary, Hegseth was a Fox News host and a long-time Trump ally. His latest decisions signal an aggressive effort to reshape military leadership and policy in line with the Trump administration’s priorities.