Thomas Modly Resigns as Secretary of the Navy

Acting Secretary of the Navy, Thomas Modly, was the final major official to resign from their position yesterday. Last week, Modly fired former commander, Captain Brett Crozier, for sending a memo addressing the outbreak of COVID-19 on the USS Theodore Roosevelt and asking for help. As of yesterday, at least 230 sailors aboard the aircraft carrier have tested positive. But on Monday, when Modly addressed the crew, he said that Crozier was “too naive or too stupid” to be a leader. Modly further implied Crozier “betrayed” them by intentionally leaking information to the media. Initially, Modly stood by his comments. However, after top military officials called for his resignation, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper ordered Modly to apologize, he backtracked on his comments. Modly then immediately stepped down from his position. James McPherson was then appointed the new Acting Secretary of the Navy by Esper.