“John will be a tremendous force for our Naval Servicemembers, and a steadfast leader in advancing my America First vision. He will put the business of the US Navy above all else,” said Trump.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated John Phelan for the next Secretary of the Navy. While Phelan has never served in the US Navy or any branch of the US military, he is a large donor to the Republican Party and a successful businessman.
“John will be a tremendous force for our Naval Servicemembers, and a steadfast leader in advancing my America First vision. He will put the business of the US Navy above all else,” Trump said in a statement of nomination, according to the Daily Mail.
Phelan has vast experience in the private sector as one of the founders of MSD Capital, which is the investment firm for Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell. Phelan also the founder and CEO of another investment company, Rugger Management. Phelan has a bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from Harvard.
“John's intelligence and leadership are unmatched,” Trump said. “John holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School, and is a truly brilliant guy! His incredible knowledge and experience will elevate the lives of the brave Americans who serve our Nation.”
Phelan and wife Amy are comfortably settled in a $38 million home in Aspen, CO and have spent a small fortune on fine art. Their collection includes samples of Picasso, Andy Warhol, Basquiat, as well as a multitude of other classic and modern artists, the Mail noted.
The couple is also hugely loyal to Trump and have donated to his campaigns over the years. In this year alone, Phelan gave $834,600 to Trump’s fundraising committee. The husband and wife have also had a financial impact at the state level, giving to Republican candidates.
Trump visited the Phelans for a fundraiser in August held at their Aspen home. At the event, Trump told attendees that if Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris triumphed on Nov. 5, it “could be the last election we ever have.”
He is nominated to replace Carlos Del Toro, who was appointed by President Joe Biden. Phelan has not publicly articulated any plans or designs for the US Navy.
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