Newsmax host Greg Kelly launched a scathing critique of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday following the abrupt dismissal of Secretary of the Navy John Phelan. The shakeup, which was announced Wednesday, saw Phelan removed from his post effective immediately, with Undersecretary of the Navy Hung Cao stepped in as the acting secretary.
In a post on X, Kelly accused Hegseth of having “lied and conned” his way through his career and the current administration.
“What a DESPICABLE guy Hegseth is. Frustrated that he can’t remove his Real Nemesis, the Army Secretary, He Fires the NAVY Secretary, has him ‘walked out of the building’ by security,” Kelly wrote. He argued that the dismissal lacked urgency, stating, “Could have given the SECNAV a month, maybe 2 weeks notice. You know, The DECENT thing to do.”
Kelly’s Friday comments marked a sharp shift from his initial reaction. On Wednesday, he appeared to support the move, posting: “WOW! Secretary of the Navy FIRED! You know I have my ‘differences’ with PETE, but given the timing, I bet HEGSETH had a VERY good reason to ‘Jettison’ that guy. Disloyal? Rooting for the EMEMY?”
By Friday, however, Kelly’s tone turned personal. He referred to Hegseth as an “Insecure FAKE” and referenced a “confidential settlement” involving an accuser, which Kelly characterized as “Blackmail.”
He concluded by saying Hegseth “Blows up Someone Else’s life bc he can’t Handle his own. Not CUTE anymore.”
The Pentagon’s only formal communication on the matter came via a Wednesday post from chief spokesman Sean Parnell, who confirmed Phelan’s departure. The Department of War referred all inquiries to that post. Kelly did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
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Phelan’s removal comes during a period of heightened naval activity. Days prior to the firing, the USS Spruance, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, disabled and seized an Iranian vessel that was attempting to bypass a blockade established by President Donald Trump.
Phelan, a former businessman and major donor, was confirmed as the 79th Secretary of the Navy in March 2025. His successor, Hung Cao, is a retired Navy captain and special operations veteran.
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