In #Trump’s [delusional] imagination the new warship would be massive, weighing as much as 40,000 tons, & would be packed with new high-tech weapons, like lasers, hypersonic missiles & electric rail guns, most of which are still in development & years from being deployed.

In recent weeks, it had become clear to Phelan that the #Navy & the #US shipbuilding industry did not have the ability to deliver on Trump’s vision.

#MilitaryReadiness #kakistocracy #GovernmentSpending #narcissism

“The ship’s purported characteristics are so extraordinary that the announcement will surely spark immense discussion,” wrote Mark F. Cancian, an expert on #military budgeting with CSIS. “However, there is little need for said discussion because this ship will never sail.”

The ship would take “years to design,” Cancian noted. “A future administration will cancel the program before the first ship hits the water.”

#MilitaryReadiness #Trump #kakistocracy #Navy #GovernmentSpending #narcissism

Presidents rarely pay close attention to military procurement, but #Trump has spoken repeatedly about his plans for a new “Trump-class” #battleship. In a February speech to soldiers at Fort Bragg, NC, Trump insisted that he had helped design the new class of ships that bear his name.

“I put a little more spirit in the hull,” Trump told the troops. “I want that ship to look gorgeous, you know.”

#MilitaryReadiness #kakistocracy #Navy #GovernmentSpending #narcissism

#Trump called Phelan to talk about his poor relationship with other leaders in the #Pentagon.

Feinberg & #Hegseth had recently seized some decision-making authority from Phelan, tapping a three-star admiral to oversee the #Navy’s submarine portfolio & having him report directly to Feinberg.

That left Phelan with oversight of the major investment in new ships that Trump has called a “golden fleet,” built around the president’s beloved #battleship program.

#MilitaryReadiness #kakistocracy

The churn of senior #Pentagon officials at a time when the US #military is engaged in #war with #Iran has alarmed top #Republican & #Democratic members of #Congress.

The Pentagon did not respond to questions regarding the circumstances surrounding Phelan’s dismissal. Phelan could not immediately be reached for comment.

#MilitaryReadiness #Trump #Hegseth #kakistocracy

#JohnPhelan is the first service secretary to be forced from the #Defense Dept during this admin, though he is far from the only senior #Pentagon official to be dismissed. Pete Hegseth has fired or sidelined more than two dozen generals & admirals over the past year, including the Army’s chief of staff, Gen Randy George, earlier this month. #Hegseth has also butted heads with the secretary of the #Army, Daniel P. Driscoll, over promotions & a host of other issues.

#MilitaryReadiness