Navy Secretary John Phelan was fired by US President Donald Trump on Thursday. The dismissal, initially reported by Reuters, marked another significant shakeup at the Pentagon amid tensions with Iran as the US increases naval presence in the Middle East.
Trump stated to reporters in the Oval Office that Phelan had conflicts with other individuals, primarily over shipbuilding and purchasing new ships. He emphasized the need for unity within the military, noting that some people favored him while others did not.
Sources speaking on condition of anonymity told Reuters that Phelan’s dismissal was partly due to his slow pace in implementing reforms aimed at accelerating shipbuilding. Additionally, he had fallen out with key Pentagon leadership figures. The Pentagon has yet to provide a formal reason for Phelan’s departure or confirm whether it was Phelan’s decision to leave the post.