Navy secretary fired and our NFL draft predictions: Morning Rundown

Morning RundownNavy secretary fired and our NFL draft predictions: Morning RundownPlus, Republicans express their anger after Virginia voters approve a congressional map that could benefit Democrats in the midterm elections.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleApril 23, 2026, 7:00 AM EDTBy Elizabeth RobinsonNavy Secretary John Phelan is the latest defense official to leave the Trump administration amid the Iran war. A look ahead at one of the most unpredictable NFL drafts in recent memory. And ICE quietly rolls back some of its most aggressive immigration policies.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Here’s what to know today.Navy Secretary John Phelan fired amid Iran warAdd NBC News to GoogleNavy Secretary John Phelan leaves Trump administration00:31Navy Secretary John Phelan will leave the Trump administration “effective immediately,” the Pentagon announced, marking the latest departure of a top defense official as the war in Iran continues.The abrupt firing came after mounting tensions between Phelan and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon’s No. 2, Stephen Feinberg, according to multiple officials and others familiar with the relationship. There were a number of issues between the men, but the speed and approach Phelan was taking when it came to shipbuilding, a challenge in which President Donald Trump has taken a personal interest, appears to have been the main reason for the firing, multiple people said. Feinberg had wrested some decision making on shipbuilding away from Phelan, according to two officials familiar with the matter.Hegseth also forced out the Army’s top officer and two other Army generals earlier this month.The new acting Navy secretary will be Undersecretary Hung Cao, Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said.Phelan’s ouster comes amid the U.S. naval blockade of Iran. The American military has seized two ships in the Strait of...