Who was the President of the United States when the U.S. Navy Department was established?

The establishment of the U.S. Navy Department occurred on April 30, 1798. At that time, John Adams was the President of the United States. He played a crucial role in the creation of the Navy, motivated by the need to protect American shipping interests and bolster national defense against threats from foreign powers.

George Washington was the first president but served before the establishment of the Department. Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln also served after the Navy Department was established and focused on different aspects of government and military needs during their presidencies. Therefore, John Adams is indeed the correct choice, as he was the commanding authority during a pivotal moment in U.S. maritime history, leading to the formal organization of the Navy under federal administration.