On April 22, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired United States Navy Secretary John Phelan. No reason was given, other than that it was an “immediate departure.”
However, it was noted by Pentagon officials that:
“Phelan didn’t understand he wasn’t the boss. His job is to follow orders given, not follow the orders he thinks should be given,” a person familiar with the situation told Axios.
Axios
Phelan also had a poor relationship with Hegseth, though this is not a good enough reason to terminate him from his position. Part of this poor relationship stemmed from Phelan’s access to Trump, as he lives next to Mar-a-Lago. This access allowed Phelan to bypass the chain of command. As documented by my colleague, Will, Phelan effectively bribed Trump with a fundraiser to become Navy Secretary, a role that he is completely unqualified for, having no combat or military experience.
This termination was done during the Iran War, potentially degrading American combat capabilities.
