John Phelan was dismissed as U.S. Navy Secretary due to clashes with Defense Secretary Hegseth and for circumventing established communication channels with President Trump.
Phelan’s Dismissal and Leadership Concerns
Sources familiar with the situation told Axios that Phelan “didn’t understand he wasn’t the boss,” and was expected to execute orders, not selectively implement them. His civil superior, Secretary of Defense Hegseth, reportedly “didn’t get along” with him.
Direct Communication with Trump
The dismissal surprised many, according to CNN, as Hegseth was reportedly displeased with Phelan’s direct communication with President Donald Trump, bypassing him in the process.
Focus on Future Naval Investments
Just days before his removal, on April 21st, Phelan discussed the future of the U.S. Navy, including the “Golden Fleet” and its proposed battleship and frigate, emphasizing the need to “improve our ability to build ships.”
Advocacy for New Battleships
Appointed in 2025 without prior military service, Phelan championed new battleships to gain President Trump’s favor. However, Politico reports this frustrated Hegseth and Deputy Secretary Stephen Feinberg, as it conflicted with the Pentagon’s strategy of prioritizing smaller, cheaper unmanned vessels.
Undermining Bipartisan Strategy
Hunter Stires, a former Navy official under both the Biden and Trump administrations, stated Phelan erred by “signaling openness to building American warships abroad.”
Stires further explained, as quoted by Politico, that Phelan’s statements “directly undermine the bipartisan strategy promoted by the Trump administration to encourage world-class allied shipbuilders to invest in modernizing and expanding shipyards in the United States.”
Part of Broader Administrative Changes
Phelan’s departure is part of a series of resignations and dismissals within the Trump administration, including former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Attorney General Pam Bondi. In April, Defense Secretary also removed the highest-ranking Army officer, Gen. Randy George, who opposed sending thousands of troops to the Middle East and preparing for potential ground operations in Iran.