In a bold nomination, President-elect Donald Trump has selected John Phelan, a prominent Republican mega donor and private equity executive, to serve as Secretary of the Navy.
Trump held a round of interviews for the role at Mar-a-Lago on Monday, per Politico.
Phelan, a Coral Gables, Florida native, stood out amongst the potential picks.
Some are baffled by this choice, pointing out that Phelan lacks traditional military experience.
He brings a unique background to the potential role, though; one that some argue is precisely why Phelan is a strong nomination.
Daily Mail reported that Phelan is a graduate of Southern Methodist University with an MBA from Harvard Business School.
He co-founded MSD Capital, the private investment firm for Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell, and is the chairman of Rugger Management LLC.
Trump praised Phelan’s potential appointment, stating, “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.”
The nomination comes with significant political implications, per Daily Mail.
The outlet noted that Phelan and his wife Amy have been strong Trump supporters, donating $834,600 to Trump’s joint fundraising committee in April and hosting a fundraiser at their $38 million Aspen, Colorado estate.
The Guardian reported that Trump warned backers at this event that if he were to lose to Vice President Kamala Harris, it “could be the last election we ever have.”
The Art Newspaper highlighted that the Phelans are also notable art collectors, owning pieces by renowned artists including Picasso, Andy Warhol and Basquiat.
They have a daughter, socialite Makenzie Moon Phelan, and Phelan serves on the boards of several museums.
If confirmed, Phelan would be breaking recent precedent.
Five different individuals served as Navy Secretary during Trump’s first term, all with military backgrounds.
Daily Mail noted that the last Navy Secretary without military experience was Donald C. Winter, who served under President George W. Bush from 2006 to 2009.
The nomination appears part of a broader strategy.
Trump’s transition team is reportedly considering creating a “warrior board” of retired military personnel to review and potentially remove high-ranking officers they deem insufficiently loyal.
Current and former U.S. officials suggest Trump will prioritize loyalty in a second term, with the power to remove military officers at will.
The transition team is even considering a draft executive order to review three and four-star officers, per Daily Mail.
The outlet added that Trump has been vocal about his desire to eliminate what he calls “wokeness” in the military.
During his re-election campaign, he went as far as suggesting criticism of military leadership could constitute treason.
Phelan’s confirmation would require a simple majority in the Senate, with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance potentially casting a tie-breaking vote.
Other candidates considered for the position included Congressman and former medical adviser Dr. Ronny Jackson and departing Representative Mike Garcia.
The current Navy Secretary, Carlos Del Toro, a retired Navy officer, would be replaced if Phelan is confirmed.
