John Phelan (businessman)
John Phelan | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2025 | |
| 79th United States Secretary of the Navy | |
| Assumed office March 25, 2025 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Deputy | Victor Minella (acting) |
| Preceded by | Carlos Del Toro |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1964 (age 60–61) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Southern Methodist University (BA) Harvard University (MBA) |
John Phelan (born 1964) is an American businessman, politician and art collector who has been the 79th United States Secretary of the Navy since 2025. Phelan is the co-founder and chairman of Rugger Management LLC. He is the co-founding partner and chief investment officer of MSD Capital.[1]
In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump picked Phelan to be his United States Secretary of the Navy under his second administration.[2] In March 2025, Phelan was confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Business career
In 1998, Phelan helped create MSD Capital, a private investment company to manage the capital of Michael Dell.[1] He also began working with Rugger Management LLC, a private investment company based in Palm Beach, Florida.[3]
In August 2024, Phelan hosted a private fundraising dinner for former President Donald Trump at their $38 million home in Aspen, Colorado during the 2024 presidential election.[4] People who went to the event included Texas Governor Greg Abbott, U.S. Representatives Byron Donalds and Lauren Boebert and former U.S. Senator Cory Gardner.[4]
U.S. Secretary of the Navy
On November 27, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump picked Phelan to be his United States Secretary of the Navy under his second administration.[2]
On February 27, 2025, he had his confirmation hearing before the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services. During the hearing, some senators including Elizabeth Warren were worried about his lack of military experience to lead the Navy,[5] while others like Senator Roger Wicker supported his nomination.[6]
He was confirmed by the Senate on March 24, 2025[7] and sworn in on March 25, 2025.[8]
Personal life
Phelan earned a bachelor's degree in economics and political science at from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas in 1986.[3] He later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1990.[1]
In 2000, Phelan met his future wife Amy on a blind date.[9] They have a daughter, Makenzie Moon Phelan.[10]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Science, London School of Economics and Political. "Introducing John Phelan". London School of Economics and Political Science. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "John Phelan '86". www.smu.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Smith, David (2024-10-04). "Donald Trump's foul-mouthed migrant rant captured in private pitch to donors". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ↑ "'This Makes Me Uneasy': Elizabeth Warren Questions Navy Secretary Nominee During Senate Hearing". Slingshot News. February 27, 2025. Archived from the original on March 31, 2025. Retrieved March 13, 2025 – via MSN.
- ↑ "Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing on Secretary of the Navy Nominee John Phelan". wicker.senate.gov. February 27, 2025. Archived from the original on March 10, 2025. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ↑ "PN12-36 — John Phelan — Department of Defense". Congress.gov. Archived from the original on March 17, 2025. Retrieved March 13, 2025.
- ↑ "Honorable John Phelan Sworn in as 79th Secretary of the Navy at National Archives". United States Navy. March 25, 2025. Archived from the original on March 28, 2025. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ↑ Duffy, Abigail (2022-11-01). "Amy Phelan's Wonderful, Art-Filled World". Palm Beach Illustrated. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ↑ Vales, Ariadne (April 12, 2019). "Over the Moon with Makenzie Moon Phelan". The Extravagant. Retrieved 2024-10-04.