U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent dismissal of Navy Secretary John Phelan fits into a major personnel reshuffle that has seen more than a dozen high-ranking military officials lose their posts since his return to the White House. The move occurs amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and growing internal conflicts within the Pentagon.
Phelan, who presented an initiative with President Trump in December for the “Golden Fleet” — new battleships intended to be named after the president — has been replaced by his deputy, Hung Kao. The project initially called for two vessels but expanded to potentially 25, each estimated at $17 billion. However, disagreements have intensified between Phelan and his superiors, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Deputy Steven Feinberg.
Hegseth has accused Phelan of slow progress in shipbuilding reforms and insubordination. The project faces significant challenges: U.S. industry share for such vessels has dropped to 0.1%, construction timelines have doubled (submarines now take about ten years versus five), and aircraft carrier production could take up to seventeen years.
Since Trump’s return, more than a dozen senior military officials have been dismissed, including Joint Chiefs Chairman Charles Brown, Chief of Navy Lisa Franchetti, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Jim Slife, and chief of Military Intelligence Jeffrey Cruz. Phelan’s dismissal followed the removal of Army Chief Randy George and two other high-ranking generals.
Over 10 cabinet members have lost their posts in two months, including Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-Deremer, Homeland Security Chief Christie Lynn Noem, and U.S. Attorney General Pamela Jo Bondi. The administration claims these changes are part of a “personnel detox” to address failures in the Middle East conflict.
The White House has not developed a sustainable strategy for confronting Iran, with over 10 American service members killed and more than 350 injured since the conflict began. Despite this, the administration proposed a $44 billion increase in the Pentagon budget to reach $1.5 trillion, raising defense spending from 3% to 4.5% of GDP.
Pentagon leadership has also become increasingly divided under Secretary Hegseth’s direction. He blocked promotions for more than 10 officers, including women and members of minorities. Joe Kent, head of the National Counterterrorism Center, has questioned the severity of Iran as a threat for large-scale escalation — a view that conflicts with Hegseth’s hard power approach.
