In a sudden move, Secretary Hegseth dismissed the chief naval aide on Friday, ousting an aide who had been central to the leadership's efforts to restructure the Pentagon.
Jon Harrison, who had been appointed in January, had played a essential role in executing comprehensive changes to the navy's budget and policy offices. In collaboration with John Phelan, a major campaign contributor who was confirmed as navy secretary in March, Harrison had reportedly worked to diminish the influence of the navy under secretary, who traditionally holds substantial authority over overseeing the navy's budget.
“His role as Chief of Staff to the Navy Secretary has ended,” a department announcement confirmed. “We are grateful for his service to the Department.”
Harrison's dismissal comes just shortly after former naval officer Hung Cao, a prior service member who had sought election for Senate as a Republican last year, was appointed as navy under secretary.
Reports indicate that Harrison and Phelan, who were without prior military experience before their selections, had reassigned multiple key staffers who were meant to help Cao adjust to his responsibilities. This move was apparently intended to reduce the influence of the under secretary's position.
Harrison's removal follows an extended period of turmoil under Hegseth's leadership.
In an unusual address to senior military officials this week, Hegseth vehemently opposed diversity and inclusion guidelines and asserted the defense department had previously become “a progressive-leaning organization.” Numerous former service members reacted angrily to Hegseth's comments, who before taking the defense leadership role had been a Fox News presenter.
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