President-elect Donald Trump announced this week that he has nominated businessman John Phelan to serve as the next Secretary of the U.S. Navy.
“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 was the co-founder and managing partner of MSD Capital, LP, the private investment firm for Michael Dell, founder and CEO of Dell Technologies.
“John’s intelligence and leadership are unmatched,” Trump said. “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.”
Trump called Phelan “truly brilliant” while highlighting his academic background, including his MBA from Harvard Business School.
Phelan also graduated Phi Beta Kappa and cum laude with distinction from SMU with a B.A. in economics and political science.
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Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) responded to the selection on X: “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!”
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
