President Trump offered his gratitude for a job well done to Navy Secretary John Phelan following an announcement from the Pentagon on Wednesday that he would be leaving his position. The president shared his admiration for Secretary Phelan in a post on Truth Social, thanking him for his service and efforts to rebuild the Navy during Trump’s second term.
“John Phelan is a long time friend, and very successful businessman, who did an outstanding job serving as my Secretary Of The Navy for the last year,” President Trump said. “John helped my Administration rebuild Sleepy Joe Biden’s rapidly depleted, and almost abandoned, Navy. Now, because of John, and all of the Great Men and Women lovingly and tirelessly involved, we have the strongest Navy in the World — BY FAR!”
President Trump praised the work Secretary Phelan completed in his role and expressed a willingness to have him return to the administration.
“John Phelan is smart, tough, and respected by all, and although he has decided to move on from his position as Secretary Of The Navy, I very much appreciate the job that he has done, and would certainly like to have him back within the Trump Administration sometime in the future,” President Trump said. “A very special thank you to John for his service to the United States of America!”
The Pentagon announced Phelan’s departure from the administration on Wednesday in a statement on X, thanking him for his work and wishing him well. Although no specific reason was given for Phelan stepping down from his post, reports suggested a possible conflict between Secretary Phelan and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. According to the Pentagon, Undersecretary Hung Cao will fill Phelan’s role and become acting Secretary of the Navy.
In his own statement reflecting on his departure, Phelan described his time in the administration as “the honor of my life,” and expressed his deep admiration for the fortitude and commitment of the Sailors and Marines within the Department of the Navy.
“Leadership at this level is not without its challenges. Decision-making can be slowed by caution, competing equities, and internal friction. But our mission demands clarity, urgency, and results-and I never lost sight of that,” Phelan said. “I leave with deep respect for those in uniform and full confidence that this force will continue to fight tonight and win tomorrow.”