President-elect Donald Trump announced businessman John Phelan as his choice for U.S. Navy secretary on Tuesday.
“John will be a tremendous force for our Naval Service members, and a steadfast leader in advancing my America First vision. He will put the business of the U.S. Navy above all else,” Trump said in a statement.
Trump said Phelan brings a wealth of private sector experience, having co-founded MSD Capital, Dell Technologies’ private investment firm, and led Rugger Management LLC.
With an MBA from Harvard Business School, Phelan’s leadership and expertise are expected to deliver “real results” for the Navy and the nation, Trump said.
“His record of success speaks for itself—a true champion of American enterprise and ingenuity!” he added.
Phelan did not serve in the military. He was a major donor to the Trump campaign.
He replaces Carlos Del Toro, who has served as secretary of the Navy since 2021.
The Navy’s annual budget is over $255 billion, and it has more than 1 million personnel, both civilian and military.
