Trump Picks Republican Megadonor To Lead Navy Despite No Military Experience

AP Photo/Evan Vucci

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday night that he is nominating businessman and art collector John Phelan as Secretary of the Navy.

In praising Phelan’s “knowledge and experience,” Trump hailed his private equity credentials.

“John has excelled in every endeavor, from founding and leading Rugger Management LLC, to co-founding MSD Capital, LP, the Private Investment Firm for Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies,” he said in a statement posted on Truth Social. “His Record of Success speaks for itself – A true Champion of American Enterprise and Ingenuity!”

Conspicuously absent was any role in the Navy or in the armed forces generally. That’s because Phelan has no military experience. Historically, Navy secretaries have served in the Navy, though some have not.

“John’s intelligence and leadership are unmatched,” the statement continued. “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. John will deliver real results for our Navy and our Country. I look forward to working with him.”

Phelan, an avid art collector, was a major donor to the president-elect this election cycle and reportedly hosted Trump at his $38 million Aspen home during the campaign. At the event, Trump went on a profanity-riddled tirade against immigrants and claimed that if Vice President Kamala Harris wins, it “could be the last election we ever have.”

Phelan’s lack of Navy credentials will likely be highlighted by Democrats during his confirmation hearing in the Senate, which will also consider the nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. A former Fox News host, Hegseth has received scrutiny over a rape allegation from 2017, which he denies. Hegseth reportedly paid off the woman.