President-elect Donald Trump has chosen businessman John Phelan as his nominee to lead the Navy, according to a statement released Tuesday evening.
“It is my great honor to announce John Phelan as our next United States Secretary of the Navy! John will be a tremendous force for our Navy members, and a steadfast leader in advancing my America First vision,” Trump wrote. “He will put the business of the United States Navy above all else.”
Trump’s choice of Phelan, after choosing Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News host Pete Hegseth to lead the Defense Department, is a sign that the new administration could prioritize disruptors entering the agency instead of bureaucrats with long tenures. Trump also has his eye on businessman Steve Feinberg and defense investor Trae Stephens as the Pentagon’s No. 2, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Phelan, who heads the private investment firm Rugger Management and once handled Michael Dell’s investments, was a major donor to the Trump campaign and reportedly hosted the president-elect this summer at his home in Aspen, Colorado, where Trump uttered a blasphemous tirade. on immigration and warned that the election could be the last the United States ever had if Vice President Kamala Harris had won.
Trump chose Phelan, who has not served in the military and does not have a long record of service in the Navy, after a round of interviews Monday at Mar-a-Lago, according to a person familiar with the matter who was granted anonymity was granted. discuss internal matters.
There were also rumors that Rep. Mike Garcia of California, a retired Navy aviator who was defeated in his re-election bid to win his battleground seat, and Rep. Ronny Jackson, a close Trump ally and retired captain who served as chief medical officer during his first administration advisor to Trump, also as candidates for the position.
“John’s intelligence and leadership are unparalleled,” Trump wrote. “His incredible knowledge and experience will elevate the lives of the brave Americans who serve our nation. John will deliver real results for our Navy and our country.”
