President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he is nominating businessman John Phelan to be the next United States Secretary of the Navy. Phelan, who has no military experience, is the founder and leader of the private investment firm Rugger Management, based in Palm Beach, Florida, which is also Trump’s hometown. Phelan was a significant contributor to Trump’s reelection campaign.
In a statement, Trump praised Phelan, stating that he would be a strong advocate for U.S. naval servicemembers and a committed leader in furthering his “America First” agenda. Trump expressed confidence that Phelan would prioritize the needs of the U.S. Navy above all else.
John Phelan’s nomination follows shortly after Trump selected former Fox News host and Army National Guard veteran Pete Hegseth to head the Department of Defense. Hegseth’s appointment surprised many Pentagon officials. Additionally, allegations of sexual assault against the former “Fox and Friends” host could pose a challenge to his confirmation in the Senate.
In his statement about nominating John Phelan as Secretary of the Navy, Trump praised Phelan’s intelligence and leadership, calling them unparalleled. He highlighted Phelan’s vast knowledge and experience, emphasizing that these qualities would improve the lives of the courageous Americans serving the nation.
If confirmed, Phelan would become the first permanent Secretary of the Navy without military experience in over ten years. By law, the Secretary of the Navy must be a civilian who has been separated from active military service for at least seven years.
