US Navy Secretary John Phelan was dismissed on April 22, 2026, amid disputes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the proposed Trump-class warships, which are estimated to cost $17 billion each. Hegseth and Deputy Secretary Stephen Feinberg prefer a shift towards mass-produced uncrewed ships rather than the expensive new class of battleships that Phelan supported. The Trump-class vessels, which were part of a broader vision called the 'Golden Fleet', were intended to enhance US naval capabilities in response to China's growing maritime strength. Despite Phelan's dismissal, the Navy's budget for FY27 still includes plans for these warships, indicating a potential strategic move by Hegseth to appease Trump, who initially endorsed the project. This situation raises questions about the US's naval strategy and its ability to maintain superiority in key maritime chokepoints, especially in light of China's expanding fleet, which is believed to number between 350 and 840 ships. Phelan's removal is part of a broader pattern of leadership changes within the Pentagon, which has seen multiple senior officials dismissed in a short timeframe, raising concerns about military morale and leadership stability during ongoing conflicts.