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Business magnate John Phelan has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as the next Secretary of the Navy, marking another significant appointment in Trump’s incoming administration.
Through a Truth Social announcement on Tuesday, Trump declared, “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 taps businessman John Phelan for Navy secretary https://t.co/HyKJ43q1KY pic.twitter.com/yjVnsaUKDa
— New York Post (@nypost) November 27, 2024
Phelan brings extensive business experience to the role, having established Rugger Management LLC, a private investment firm based in Florida. His impressive business portfolio includes co-founding MSD Capital, which manages private investments for Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell.
Trump expressed his confidence in Phelan’s capabilities, writing on Truth Social, “John’s intelligence and leadership are unmatched. John holds an MBA from the Harvard Business School, and is a truly brilliant guy! His incredible knowledge and experience will elevate lives of the brave Americans who serve our Nation! I look forward to working with him.”
Congrats to my friend John Phelan! We must return our military to its rightful position as the most lethal fighting force in the world. I look forward to your leadership!
Go Navy! https://t.co/WRNRRXt0Fi
— Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) November 27, 2024
If Phelan receives Senate confirmation, he will take over from current Secretary Carlos Del Toro, a Cuban-American entrepreneur who made history as the second Hispanic American to lead the Navy department.