WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump announced late Tuesday night that he has selected John Phelan, a prominent financier and campaign donor, to become Secretary of the Navy.
“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 U.S. Navy above all else,” Trump wrote in a post on TruthSocial, the social media platform he started.
Phelan is the co-founder and chairman of Rugger Management, a private investment firm based in Palm Beach, Fla. The Hill reported he is also a donor to the Trump campaign and GOP-aligned efforts. It was not immediately clear if Phelan has any background or experience in national security.
Phelan is Trump’s second major pick for a spot as top brass at the Pentagon. Earlier this month, he selected Pete Hegseth, a co-host of Fox News’s “Fox & Friend Weekend” and a former infantry captain in the Army National Guard to serve as secretary of the defense.