Trump Names Businessman John Phelan as Secretary of the U.S. Navy

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated businessman John Phelan to serve as the next Secretary of the U.S. Navy. Phelan, a highly accomplished leader in the world of private equity, was hailed by Trump as “truly brilliant” and the right choice to advance his “America First” vision for the nation’s naval forces.

“John will be a tremendous force for our Naval Servicemembers and a steadfast leader in advancing my America First vision,” Trump said in a statement. “He will put the business of the U.S. Navy above all else.”

Phelan is the Founder and Chairman of Rugger Management LLC, a private equity firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. He previously co-founded MSD Capital, LP, managing investments for Michael Dell, the founder and CEO of Dell Technologies. His decades of experience in high-stakes financial leadership position him as a fresh yet formidable leader for the U.S. Navy.

Trump highlighted Phelan’s impressive academic achievements, including:

• MBA from Harvard Business School

• Undergraduate degrees in economics and political science from Southern Methodist University (SMU), graduating Phi Beta Kappa and cum laude with distinction

“John’s intelligence and leadership are unmatched,” Trump stated. “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.”

The nomination of a businessman to lead the Navy underscores Trump’s emphasis on efficiency and effectiveness within the military. Phelan’s track record of managing complex financial portfolios and delivering results aligns with Trump’s broader goal of revitalizing the U.S. military as the most “lethal fighting force in the world.”

Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) expressed his enthusiasm for the nomination, tweeting: “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!”

Trump’s choice of Phelan signals a commitment to modernizing the Navy and ensuring it remains a dominant global force. With his business acumen and strategic leadership, Phelan is poised to bring a results-driven approach to one of America’s most critical defense institutions.

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