President-elect Trump plans to nominate businessman John Phelan as the next head of the Navy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cJohn will be a tremendous force for our Naval Servicemembers, and a steadfast leader in advancing my America First vision,\u201d Trump said in a Tuesday night post on TruthSocial. \u201cHe will put the business of the U.S. Navy above all else.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Phelan is the founder and chairman of Rugger Management LLC, a private investment firm based in Florida. He was the managing partner of MSD Capital, a private equity firm. Phelan did not serve in the military. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The businessman is a donor to the Trump campaign and other GOP-aligned committees. He donated $834,600 to Trump\u2019s joint fundraising committee, Trump 47, in April, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings. Phelan also donated to a variety of Republican state party affiliates during the 2024 election cycle, FEC records showed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHis Record of Success speaks for itself \u2013 A true Champion of American Enterprise and Ingenuity,\u201d Trump said. \u201cJohn\u2019s intelligence and leadership are unmatched.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In August, Phelan and his wife Amy hosted Trump for a high-ticket fundraiser<\/u><\/a> in Aspen, Colo. The position will require a Senate confirmation. The Republican Party will have the majority in the chamber next year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHis 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,\u201d Trump wrote. <\/p>\n\n\n\n