- Navy Secretary John Phelan was removed from his post after being asked to resign by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
- Phelan reportedly spent Wednesday night at the White House, attempting to directly ask President Donald Trump to retain his position, but left without success.
- The removal is linked to Hegseth and Trump's belief that Phelan was not sufficiently committed to building Trump's 'Golden Fleet' of battleships, aimed at countering China's naval expansion.
- Insiders suggest Phelan's close relationship with Trump, often bypassing Hegseth, contributed to his dismissal, with Hegseth reportedly icing him out of top meetings.
- Phelan's departure is part of a broader re-configuration of top navy positions by Hegseth, who has also removed other high-ranking military leaders recently.
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