Why Was Secretary of the Navy John Phelan Fired?

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Phelan was a close ally of President Donald Trump—but clashed repeatedly with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over shipbuilding problems during his tenure.

On Wednesday, the United States Navy confirmed that its top civilian official was leaving his post, “effective immediately.” Secretary of the Navy John Phelan became the first head of a military service to step down during President Donald Trump’s second term. Yet he is now just the latest in a string of high-level defense officials to depart or face being ousted.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth informed Phelan on Wednesday afternoon that he would need to tender his resignation or he would be fired, CNN reported, citing “two sources familiar with the matter.” 

A former private investment executive, philanthropist, and art collector, Phelan became the 79th United States Secretary of the Navy in March 2025. Phelan had no prior military service before being appointed to head up the Department of the Navy; he previously chaired the board of the Third Option Foundation and served on the board of Spirit of America.

“Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan is departing the administration,........

© The National Interest